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<br />., <br /> <br />ACTIONS ON ARCC RECOMMENDA nONS <br /> <br />State agencies and ARCC members have been moving ahead on several fronts consistent <br />with the ARCC's recommendations and the cooperative spirit fostered by the process. The <br />key areas of progress to date are: <br /> <br />e The introduction, expedited passage, and enactment ofS896-124_ This law, enacted <br />on March 1, 1996, gives new enforcement authorities and the resources to carry them <br />out to the State Engineer, while providing low-cost loans to well pumpers who are <br />purchasing the water necessary to offset their out-of-priority depletions_ Other <br />provisions will assist in data collection and studies to improve management of the <br />basin's water resources. <br /> <br />e The State Engineer's promulgation and filing in water court of strict new well <br />regulations. These regulations will prevent out-of-priority depletions to stateline <br />flows and senior swface rights in Colorado. Unlike earlier efforts to curtail pumping, <br />the vast majority of both swface and groundwater users in the basin have supported <br />the State Engineer in this process. <br /> <br />e Well-user groups are hard at work developing substitute supply plans and acquiring <br />replacement water for the 1996 irrigation season to be in compliance with the new <br />well regulations. LA WMA will soon acquire a large block of permanent replacement <br />water for its augmentation plan using the financing approved in S896-124. <br /> <br />e The Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the Colorado Water <br />Protective and Development Association, and the Arkansas Groundwater Users <br />Association continue with conceptual discussions that may lead to consolidation or <br />cooperative provision of well augmentation services in the area above John Martin <br />Reservoir. <br /> <br />e Efforts to enhance water-based recreation and wildlife habitat in the region continue, <br />including the recent approval by the Arkansas River Compact Administration of an <br />enlarged permanent pool at Trinidad Reservoir, and ongoing negotiations with the <br />Amity Mutual Irrigation Company over the Great Plains Reservoirs. <br /> <br />9 <br />