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. . . STATUTORY BASIS FOR FLOOD-RELATED ACTIVITIES BY J. WILLIAM McDONALD DIRECTOR, COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD Background Traditionally, major pieces of federal and state legislation are enacted following a catastrophic flood event or an excess ive flood season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Soil Conservation Service received their respective flood control study and construction authorizations following the disasterous flood season of 1935. In 1937, the Colorado Water Conservation Board was created as the State's water resources planning agency with the responsiblity to promote the conservation of the waters of the State and to secure the utmost prevention of floods and to promote or participate in flood control and water resource projects. The board's flood-related duties have been amended by subsequent legislative action. Enactment of legislation for new programs is never easily accomplished. Because most of the time it involves an increase in the expenditure of m:meys. I am sure many of you have been involved in the legislative process regarding a canmunity issue or concern. The first major flood legislation was enacted by the 1922 Colorado General Assembly. This action, which established the Conservancy Law of Colorado, was a result of the interest and concern which resulted from the disastrous flood which occurred on June 3, 1921 at Pueblo, Colorado. Colorado legislation dealing with flood-related matters and issues has been enacted through a partnership and coordinated effort with local government. No agency within state government has the unlimited authority to construct a flood control project or regulate the specific uses of floodplain lands without the cooperative action of others. I would like to give you an apprasial of on-going flood-related activities through-out the state. These activities are: . Large flood control studies and projects . Localized flood control and drainage studies and projects . Floodplain regulations