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'",'"-, ", 6 0, w ~' ~ -1, "'::,;:, ':~' , :\.' '.', ' " ' " ':i, _....; '" " " ' ~ ' ',. RECORD OF PROCEEDINB He complimented the members of the Board of Directora for their active interest in Water Legialation, and stated that observations, recommendations, and criticisms from groups such as this will assure that adequate and proper Water Legislation is developed in the best intereets of all. Christy complimented Mr. Geissinger and those associated with him, on the thoroughness of the Study, and suggested that if at all possible they should avoid creating new layers of Government and have individual agencies, such as Conservancy Districts, manage the water within the Basin. Young observed that the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District have' felt strongly about Water Legislation for some time, and have Involved themselves individu- ally and collectively in helping the members of the Legislature and Official Water Agen- cies in developing modern Water Law s for the best use of the limited supply. He asked how many Water Courts were contemplated, to which Mr. Geissinger suggested seven. " Milenski questioned the use of ad valorem taxes to support the new programs, and feels that since water is a State-wide problem of concern to each and every citizen, other forms of revenue should be developed to defray the cost. He stated the irrigators are hard pressed to meet expenses clue to the fact that they are subject to every form of tax- ation, and every additional cost. He also observed that the matter of exchange should be carefully studied, BO as not to injure senior rights or to make the exchange too costly. Mr. Mllenskl also commented that the alternate points must be carefully administered to assure that the water user who has both surface and pump water does not exceed his rightful share. Dilley suggested there might not be a need to put down additional batteries of pumps since there already exists a number of pumps in strategic locations. which if put to UBe to the benefit of the total river it might be better than if they were compounding It with new wells. Geissinger stated this is why a local board or agency Is necessary. because lh~ membe1"s of the Board know the problems within the Basin, and can assure equity. He described how the water users on the Platte have cooperated and developed effective use of water through storage and application based strictly on mutual agreement. The meeting was adjourned for lunch. :',. Following lW1ch, Mr. Purvis stated he was very much interested in the winter storage aspects of the Study, and inquired as to whether this Is a problem unique to just the Arkansas Valley. Geissinger reported it is not a problem on the Platte, but 18 a prob- lem on the Rio Grande. McCurdy described several cases where, by mutual cooperation, storage is permitted. Dilley asked if the Upper Arkansas River area has been studied. Geissinger indicated Senator Harry Locke had requested sucb a study, and the E;ngineers are trying to de- velop a formula whereby the water use in the Upper Valley can be determined. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBER: President Nichols introduced Mr. Hugh Pickrel of Rocky Ford, who had been appointed by Governor John Love to the Colorado W ster Conservation Board to fill the unexpired term of James Macdonald of La Junta. BUDGET HEARING: I I I I President Nichols declared the hour being 1 :30 p. m., and in accordance with State Statutes, he asked the General Manager to read the Official Public Notice which had been pubUshed twice in a newspaper In each of the nine Counties within,the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. Budget Officer Shoun read the Budget Resolution as follows: -3-