Press Release - Water Legislation into Law
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OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, JR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009
CONTACTS:
Megan Castle, 303.866.6386, megan.castle@state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER SIGNS WATER LEGISLATION INTO LAW
Gov. Bill Ritter today strengthened Colorado water laws today by signing Senate Bill 147, sponsored by Sen. Mary Hodge and Rep. Kevin Priola, which follows the recent signing of House Bill 1174 (Riesberg/Hodge).
"One of my first acts as Governor was to create the South Platte River Task Force in response to water issues that affect our whole state, from agriculture to urban areas," Gov. Ritter said. "Both of these bills are a result of the efforts of the Task Force, which worked with diverse stakeholders to provide relief to well users without unduly harming senior users."
- SB 147 opens up new sources of water for farmers to lease to help augment the loss to the South Platte caused by previous pumping depletions. Leased water is much cheaper than purchasing water. This bill allows farmers to use an expedited water use approval process so they can pump water when they need it.
- HB 1174 forgives water debt that well users incurred before 1974.
"Water is a complicated issue in Colorado and the West," Gov. Ritter said. "I want to thank the Task Force, the sponsors of this bill and all the stakeholders for helping to find solutions to some very difficult challenges."
Click here for a list of Gov. Ritter's legislative action this season.