WATFSummaryMarch2006

• Title: Joint Task Force Meeting Summary
• Date: 3/14/2006
• Description: Summary
• Basin: Statewide
• Drought Mitigation - Doc Type: WATF Meeting Summary

STATE OF COLORADO

Colorado Water Conservation Board

Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street. Room 721
Denver, Colorado H0203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
www.cwcb.state.co.us

COLORADO FLOOD TASK FORCE and
WATER A V AILABIL TY TASK FORCE
JOINT MEETING SUMMARY FOR MARCH 14,2006

Bill Owens
Governor

Russell George
Executive Director

This report is a meeting summary of the March 2006 joint meeting of the Colorado Rod Kuharich
eWeB Director
Flood Task Force (FTF) & Water Availability Task Force (W A TF) for the initial
meeting in 2006. Meeting participants invited to be members of the FTF include
local, state, and federal officials and private sector experts. The FTF typically
meets during the Colorado flood season (March through September) as necessary to coordinate flood
related activities, monitor and forecast extreme weather conditions, and share information. The W A TF
meetings are scheduled similarly and in accordance with drought severity in Colorado. The March 14,
2006 meeting included climatological summaries, short-term and long-term weather forecasts; spring
and summer flood outlooks, streamflow and water supply information, and new developments in local,
state, and federal agency programs. This report summarizes the presentations and discussion at the
meeting. The Joint Task Force summary, handouts, and PowerPoint presentations reside on the Colorado
Water Conservation Board (CWCB) website located at:
htto://cwcb.state.co.us/owclDrought Planning/PresentationsIMARCH2006/oresentations.htm.

Rick Brown
Acting Deputy Director

Please contact Joe Busto by email at ioe.busto{qlstate.co.us to report any corrections needed to this
summary. For questions about the FTF, please call Tom Browning at [phone]. For questions
about the W A TF contact Veva McCaig at [phone].

CWCB & Department of Natural Resources CDNR) Prol!ram Overview
. Jack Byers, Deputy State Engineer, Division of Water Resources - There is shortage of water
in some portions of the state and an excess in other portions. The 2002 water year was unusual
due to the fact that the entire state was in a drought condition. Jack is co-chair of the W A TF.
Efforts are being made to enhance cooperation and continue the strong relationship between the
two task forces and between the CWCB and the Division of Water Resources.
. Tom Browning, Section Chief, CWCB Flood Protection Program - is the new Flood Task
Force Chair. The CWCB implements a variety of tasks for flood preparedness each year. The
CWCB jointly with FEMA disseminates a spring flood news release to remind property owners
to purchase flood insurance. There is a 30-day waiting period for insurance policies to go into
effect with very few exceptions. The CWCS is also a Cooperating Technical Partner with FEMA
to develop and provide floodplain data as well as technical assistance and funding for flood
insurance studies and maps across Colorado. The CWCB has a Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program for planning and projects and a Flood Response Program for flood forecasts, aerial
photography, flood documentation reports, post flood floodplain mapping, and mitigation
activities. The CWCB reminded participants that flooding can and does occur in areas even
outside of the mapped regulatory floodplains. The CWCS also works cooperatively with FEMA

Colorado Water Conservation Board
Flood Protection. Water Supply Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection. Conservation and Drought Planning