Metro Basin Roundtable Member Handbook Table of Contents

Transcription

1 Metro Basin Roundtable Member Handbook Table of Contents Introduction List of Members By-Laws Education Action Plan Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Guidelines South Platte Basin Implementation Plan brochure Map of the South Platte and Metro Basins Links to Additional Reading

2 METRO ROUNDTABLE MEMBERSHIP LIST Seat First Name Last Name Address Agriculture Representative Rob Sakata Arapahoe County Julio Iturreria Arapahoe County Muni At Large Business Representative Susan Nedell At Large Development Representative Eric Hecox At Large Representative Casey Davenhill At Large Water Quality Rep Barbara Biggs At-Large Representative Janet Bell At-Large Representative Peter Nichols At-Large Representative Emily Hunt At-Large Representative Laura Kroeger At-Large Representative Lisa Darling At-Large Representative Darren Beck Broomfield City/County David Allen Central Colorado River Water Conservancy Jim Reasoner Denver City & County Rep Douglas County Rep Tim Murrell Douglas County Muni Rep Rick Marsicek El Paso County Cortney Brand Elbert County Robert Rowland Elbert County Muni Rep Ken Peter Environmental Representative David Nickum Industrial Rep Dan DeLaughter Jefferson County Rep. Patrick OConnell Jefferson County Muni Representative Scott Brink Legislative Appointment James Lochhead Local Domestic Water Provider Rick McLoud Recreation Rep Upper South Platte Water Conservancy Gary Thompson BOR(liaison) Ed Warner CO Geological Survey (liaison) Lesley Sebol CSU Ext. Service (liaison) Carl Wilson Forest Service (liaison) Polly Hays Forest Service (liaison) Scott Ludwig Metro - CWCB Member Patricia Wells patricia.wells@denverwater.org Non Voting Representative Randi Brazeau rbrazeau@msudenver.edu Nonvoting Out-of-Basin Representative Jim Hall jhall@northernwater.org U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (liaison) Tim Carey timothy.t.carey@usace.army.mil 12/14/ of 1

3 INTRODUCTION Welcome, to the Metro Basin Roundtable (MBRT). Please know that your interest, time and attention are very much appreciated. This Handbook has been developed to provide you with a basic understanding of the purpose of the MBRT, an idea of how it functions, and background information to give context to the work of the roundtable. In 2005, the roundtable process was enacted by the Colorado Legislature through House Bill , Colorado Water for the 21 st Century Act. The authority and responsibility of the MBRT are founded in this legislation. The By-laws of the roundtable are included in this Handbook. Please refer to them for the articulated purpose/mission of the MBRT as well as a description of the governance structure. Preceding the By-Laws is a List of Members of the MBRT. Every effort will be made to review and update this Handbook every two years. The List of Members is likely to change during the period between updates. The most up to date member list can be found at the MBRT website, Because of the unique nature of the Metro Basin, being the only Basin Roundtable not defined by hydrologic boundaries, the work of the Metro and South Platte Basin Roundtables is intertwined. The Metro Basin lies completely within the hydrologic boundaries of the South Platte Basin Roundtable (SPBRT). Please refer to the South Platte Basin Map, included in this Handbook. The MBRT is, however, an autonomous organization. In addition to creating basin roundtables, House Bill also created the Public Education Participation and Outreach (PEPO) Workgroup. The PEPO Workgroup consists of Education Liaisons from each of the basin roundtables. The Education Liaison for the MBRT is Casey Davenhill, as of July The Education Liaison works with the Education Committee of the MBRT to develop the Education Action Plan, included in this Handbook. Members of the Education Committee are identified in the Education Action Plan. The South Platte Basin Implementation Plan brochure, included in this Handbook, presents the important components of the work of the MBRT that need to be communicated to the public. A review of the brochure will provide a brief summary of highlights of the MBRT work. Each of the basin roundtables receives disbursements of public funds from the Colorado legislature with which to accomplish their missions. One type of funding is the Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) grants. Qualifying entities can apply for these funds through a competitive process guided by input from basin roundtables. Each roundtable develops a set of Water Supply Reserve Account Guidelines to select projects they wish to support and/or fund. The most current Water Supply Reserve Account Guidelines are included in this Handbook. These documents present a great deal of information. For anyone wanting more information, please refer to the Links to Additional Reading. Once again, welcome to the Metro Basin Roundtable.

4 BYLAWS OF THE METRO ROUNDTABLE Ratified on March 9, 2017 PREAMBLE In Colorado, water is among the state s most important issues. The ability to successfully address the challenges and opportunities related to water requires a collaborative, consensus-based approach. To facilitate continued discussions within and between basins on water management issues, and to encourage locally driven collaborative solutions to water supply challenges, House Bill created nine permanent basin roundtables. These roundtables include the following: (1) South Platte Basin; (2) Arkansas Basin; (3) Rio Grande Basin; (4) Gunnison Basin; (5) Colorado Basin; (6) Yampa-White area; (7) Dolores, San Miguel, and San Juan Basins; (8) Metro area; and (9) North Platte area. In the eyes of many stakeholders, the legitimacy of a roundtable organization can be measured against the ideal of a participatory democracy. Legitimacy requires that anyone potentially affected by the actions of a roundtable should have an opportunity to participate or, at a minimum, each affected group of stakeholders should have a likeminded representative participating as a member of the roundtable organization. Only by working together can Colorado s 21 st century water issues be resolved. ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE/MISSION Section 1. Name. The name of the organization shall be the Metro Roundtable, (the Roundtable ), with its principal office located at the Colorado Water Conservation Board, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 718, Denver, Colorado 80203, or as hereafter determined by the members of the Roundtable by a three-fourths majority vote. Section 2. Purpose/Mission. The purpose/mission of the Roundtable is to support and advocate collaborative efforts to coordinate and facilitate the appropriate use of the state s waters, to develop long-term solutions to intra-basin water needs, to collaborate with other Roundtables to find solutions to inter-basin water issues, and to build an effective voluntary basin-wide program that fosters open communication and cooperation among stakeholders, with strong public support based on documented goals, strategic plans and accomplishments. ARTICLE II GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Improve communications by providing a forum to facilitate the coordination of decisions made among affected landowners, concerned citizens, and representatives of local, state and federal agencies.

5 2. Facilitate cooperation and the voluntary exchange of information in order to identify and address intra-basin and inter-basin water concerns in a proactive manner. 3. Provide a basin-wide framework for coordination, cooperation and citizen involvement in promoting and improving the use of the state s waters. 4. Facilitate the Metro Roundtable area s participation in statewide water issues by selecting two individuals to represent the Roundtable on the Interbasin Compact Committee, and by providing input into Colorado s Water Plan. 5. Seek the involvement of interested stakeholders in the Roundtable process, and actively solicit their input in the Roundtable s activities. 6. Facilitate the identification, compilation, and evaluation of necessary data and information to support the Roundtable s activities, including participation in statewide efforts such as the Statewide Water Supply Initiative. 7. Facilitate the development of a basin-wide water needs assessment to evaluate the consumptive and non-consumptive water needs of the Metro Roundtable area. 8. Propose methods or projects, both structural and non-structural, for meeting any future needs as well as utilizing any unappropriated waters. 9. Facilitate the further development and implementation of the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan. 10. Encourage the use of the Roundtable process to help remedy intra-basin conflicts between stakeholders. 11. Provide a meaningful source of education and public outreach concerning the operations of the Metro Roundtable and the activities of the Interbasin Compact Committee. 12. Promote the protection, conservation, and beneficial use of water in the Metro Roundtable area. 13. Promote the socio-economic sustainability of the Metro Roundtable area. 14. Promote the protection and conservation of the natural environment. 15. Administer the Water Supply Reserve Account grant program for the Metro Roundtable. 2

6 ARTICLE III DEFINITIONS 1. Bylaws The bylaws governing the Metro Roundtable. 2. Chairperson The presiding officer of the Metro Roundtable. 3. Consensus Consensus is understood to mean: all Roundtable Members believe their views on a particular issue have been satisfactorily heard and agree not to block the group s decision on the issue. 4. House Bill A legislative bill passed during the 2005 Legislative Session Concerning the Negotiation of Interbasin Compacts Regarding the Equitable Division of the State s Waters. House Bill is also known as the Colorado Water for the 21 st Century Act. 5. Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC) A twenty-seven-member (27) committee, created pursuant to House Bill , for the purpose of facilitating the process of interbasin compact negotiations. 6. Local Public Body This means any board, committee, commission, authority, or other advisory, policy-making, rule-making, or formally constituted body of any political subdivision of the state and any public or private entity to which a political subdivision, or an official thereof, has delegated a governmental decision-making function but does not include persons on the administrative staff of the local public body. 7. Members Individuals who have been appointed or selected to serve on the Metro Roundtable through the process specified in House Bill Other Appropriate Sources In addition to the data and information from the Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI) and any data from appropriate sources as identified in the future. 9. Person An individual, corporation, partnership, incorporated association, and the like and shall have no gender and the singular shall include the plural. 10. Recorder The recorder of the Metro Roundtable. 11. Representative Individuals who have been appointed by the Metro Roundtable to represent the Metro Roundtable on the IBCC. 12. Roundtable The Metro Roundtable created through the process specified in House Bill

7 13. Stakeholder Any person or entity in the Metro Roundtable area that is interested in or impacted by the decisions of the Metro Roundtable. 14. Vice-Chairperson The officer next in rank to the Chairman of the Metro Roundtable. 15. Water Division Water division has the same meaning as set forth in Section , C.R.S. 16. Water Management District Means those districts established by the Division of Water Resources and depicted on maps published by the Division. ARTICLE IV ROUNDTABLE MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Members. The Metro Roundtable shall collectively represent the types of interests, livelihoods, and/or land ownership found in the Metro Roundtable area. Roundtable membership is determined pursuant to the statutory scheme in House Bill , which states: each basin roundtable shall consist of the following members, as specified below. 1. One (1) member appointed by the governing body of each county or city and county within the borders of the basin roundtable. A county or city and county shall be entitled to a member on each basin roundtable that overlaps its boundaries. 2. One (1) municipal member for each county located in whole or in part within the basin roundtable, who shall be appointed jointly by the governing bodies of all municipalities within that portion of the county that is located within the roundtable. 3. One (1) member appointed by the board of directors of each water conservancy and water conservation district within the borders of the roundtable. A water conservancy or water conservation district shall be entitled to one member on each basin roundtable that overlaps its jurisdiction. 4. One (1) member appointed by mutual agreement of the chairperson of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee and the Chairperson of the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee. 5. Up to Eighteen (18) at large members appointed by the roundtable members appointed pursuant to 1. to 4. above, in consultation with the Director of Compact Negotiations, representing the following interests: One (1) shall represent environmental interests and shall be selected from nominees submitted by one or more regionally, state-wide, or nationally recognized environmental conservation organizations that have operated in Colorado for at least five years; 4

8 One (1) shall represent agricultural interests; One (1) shall represent recreation interests; One (1) shall represent local domestic water provider interests; One (1) shall represent industrial interests; One (1) shall represent business interests; One (1) shall represent developer interests; One (1) shall represent water quality interests; Ten (10) shall represent other interests deemed important to the members; At least five (5) shall own adjudicated water rights, including owners of shares in a ditch or reservoir company or their agents, or shall have a contract for water with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation or their agents. Any such agent shall be appointed by the member the agent represents. 6. Three (3) nonvoting members shall be selected by the roundtable members appointed pursuant to 1. to 5. above, who shall represent entities outside the basin that own water rights within the basin. Members appointed pursuant to 6. shall not be required to reside within the borders of the roundtable. If no one qualifies for selection under 6., three (3) nonvoting members shall be selected from outside the basin and have interests in and are knowledgeable about water matters. The Members may select five (5) additional non-voting members at its discretion. 7. The member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board who resides within the borders of the roundtable shall act as the Board s liaison to the roundtable and to the Interbasin Compact Committee. Section 2. Term of Office. Members duly appointed under 1. through 4. and 7. above shall serve until that member resigns, is removed, or is replaced pursuant to the same criteria as the original appointment specified under 1. through 4. and 7. above. Members duly appointed under 5. and 6. above shall serve a term of five (5) years. Section 3. Vacancies. A vacancy in Roundtable position because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise may be filled by the Roundtable for the unexpired portion of the term. Any vacancy occurring in the Roundtable shall be filled according to the statutory scheme designed by House Bill Section 4. Resignation. Any Member may resign at any time by submitting a resignation in writing. Such resignation takes effect from the time of its receipt by the Roundtable unless a date or time is fixed in the resignation, in which case it will take effect from that time. Acceptance of the resignation shall not be required to make it effective. Section 5. Removal. Any person elected to the Roundtable may be removed by the Roundtable whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Roundtable would be served thereby. If a Member is absent for three meetings in row, that Member may be the subject of 5

9 removal. Members may be removed by the Roundtable by majority vote, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Section 6. Disqualification. Any Member whose circumstances change such that they no longer represent the interests for which they were appointed or elected may be removed by the Roundtable by majority vote whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Roundtable would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Section 7. Non-Represented Interests. Government agencies, individuals, local governments, and other organizations not directly represented by a Member of the Roundtable are encouraged to participate in the Roundtable s meetings; however, nonrepresented interests will not act as voting Members of the Roundtable. Section 8. Compensation. The Members shall receive no compensation for their service as a Member to the Roundtable. However, nothing will preclude a Member from receiving reimbursement from the Roundtable for actual expenses incurred and incident to the performance of their duties as authorized by the Roundtable. ARTICLE V ROUNDTABLE LEADERSHIP Section 1. General Powers. The Roundtable leadership shall have the power to manage the business and affairs of the Roundtable in such manner as it sees fit. In addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon it, the Roundtable leadership may do all lawful acts that are not directed to be done by statute or by these Bylaws. Section 2. Number and Qualifications. The Roundtable shall have one chairperson, two vice chairpersons, and one recorder. The chairperson and vice chairpersons shall be elected by a majority of the Roundtable Members. Section 3. Election and Term of Office. The chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and recorder, to be elected by the Roundtable, shall be elected annually by the Roundtable at its annual meeting and each shall serve a one-year term with no limit on the number of terms served. Each person so elected shall hold office until the resignation or removal of such person or a successor shall be duly elected and qualified, until the death of such person, or until removal of such person in the manner herein provided. Section 4. Vacancies. A vacancy in any leadership position because of death, resignation, removal or otherwise may be filled by the Roundtable for the unexpired portion of the term. Section 5. Resignation. Any Chairperson or Vice Chairperson may resign at any time by submitting a resignation in writing. Such resignation takes effect from the time of its receipt by the Roundtable unless a date or time is fixed in the resignation, in which case it will 6

10 take effect from that time. Acceptance of the resignation shall not be required to make it effective. Section 6. Removal. Any Chairperson or Vice Chairperson elected by the Roundtable may be removed by the Roundtable by majority vote whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Roundtable would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Section 7. The Chairperson of the Roundtable. The Roundtable shall elect a Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Roundtable. The Chairperson shall also see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the law and the provisions of the Bylaws. Section 8. The Vice Chairpersons of the Roundtable. The Roundtable shall elect two Vice Chairpersons. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of the death or inability or refusal to act of the Chairperson, one of the two Vice Chairpersons shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson. Section 9. The Recorder of the Roundtable. The Roundtable shall elect a Recorder. The Recorder shall be custodian of the Roundtable s records, and shall keep a list of the contact information of each Member. The Recorder shall also perform, or cause to be performed: (1) the responsibility for all record keeping of the Roundtable; (2) official recording of formal decisions of all Roundtable proceedings; and (3) any other duties as may be assigned by the Roundtable. Section 10. The Executive Committee of the Roundtable. The Roundtable is authorized to establish an Executive Committee to help manage the business and affairs of the Roundtable. The Executive Committee, if established, shall be comprised of the Roundtable Chair, Vice Chairs, and Roundtable members that have been appointed to the IBCC. Section 11. Salaries. Neither the Chairperson nor the Vice Chairpersons shall receive a salary for their work on behalf of the Roundtable. ARTICLE VI DECISION-MAKING Section 1. Consensus-Based Decision-Making. A concerted effort shall be made by the Roundtable to reach decisions by consensus. Consensus is understood to mean: all Roundtable Members believe their views on a particular issue have been satisfactorily heard and agree not to block the group s decision on the issue. The goal of consensus is to respect and protect minority opinions on all issues. If objections are not voiced when considering an issue, then consensus is assumed and the issue moves forward. In other cases, one or more Roundtable Members might wish to express a minority opinion, which 7

11 shall be entered into the record, but the item under discussion shall then move forward anyway. If consensus is not reached, the issue shall be reevaluated at the next meeting of the Roundtable. If consensus cannot be reached at this point, the issue shall be considered lost. ARTICLE VII MEETINGS AND GOVERNANCE Section 1. Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the Roundtable will be held prior to July 1 of each year to include at a minimum election of chairpersons, annual reports, other business pertinent to the Roundtable, and for purposes of the Colorado Open Meeting Law, decide which place or places will be deemed the public location(s) for the posting of notice of Roundtable meeting times and/or locations. Section 2. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Roundtable shall be held once a quarter. The Roundtable may provide, by resolution, the time and place, which must be within the State of Colorado, for the holding of additional regular meetings. The notice of the meeting must be posted and distributed in such a manner so as to comply with the Colorado Open Meetings Law. The Roundtable is encouraged to schedule its regular meetings on days and times that will allow for diverse geographic participation. Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Roundtable may be called by or at the request of the chairperson or vice chairpersons. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Roundtable may fix any place, which must be within the State of Colorado, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Roundtable called by them. The notice of the meeting must be posted and distributed in such a manner so as to comply with the Colorado Open Meetings Law. Section 4. Telephonic Meetings. Members of the Roundtable and committees thereof may participate and be deemed present at a meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Section 5. Open Meetings Law. The Roundtable shall be deemed to be a local public body for purposes of the Open Meetings Law, Part 4 of Article 6 of Title 24, C.R.S. By law, the Roundtable must give at least 24-hour notice of any meeting, which is posted in a public place or places, which are determined by the Roundtable. If available, a meeting agenda shall be published with the notice. The Roundtable is encouraged to publish notice of a meeting at least a week in advance, and at least once in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the basin. The Roundtable Process is intended to be a public endeavor, with input from all who want to give it. Section 6. Minutes. The Recorder shall keep accurate minutes of all Roundtable meetings. All minutes shall be subject to approval at the subsequent Roundtable meeting. 8

12 These minutes shall be stored at the Roundtable s principal office and made available to the public upon request. Section 7. Voting. For purposes of voting on Roundtable business, each voting Member as specified in Article IV Section 1 shall have one vote. Section 8. Substitutes and Proxies. If a voting Member is unable to attend a meeting, their designated substitute and proxy may participate and act as a voting Member at that meeting. Section 9. Quorum. One third of the total membership of the Roundtable shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Regular Meeting of the Roundtable, but if a quorum shall not be present at any Regular Meeting or adjournment thereof, a majority of the Members present may adjourn the meeting without further notice. A majority of the total members of the Roundtable shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any Annual or Special Meeting of the Roundtable, but if a quorum shall not be present at any Annual or Special Meeting or adjournment thereof, a majority of the Members present may adjourn the meeting without further notice. Section 10. Action by Consent of All Members. Any action required to be taken, or which may be taken at a meeting of the Roundtable may be taken without a meeting, if written consent, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the Members entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the Roundtable. Such action by written consent of all entitled to vote shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of such Members at a meeting of Members at which a quorum is present. Section 11. Presumption of Assent. A Member of the Roundtable who is present at a meeting of the Roundtable at which action on any matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless the dissent of such Member shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting, filed in writing with the Chairperson of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwarded by registered mail to the Chairperson of the Roundtable immediately after the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Member who voted in favor of such action. Section 12. Subcommittees or Other Mechanisms. The Roundtable shall have the ability to establish subcommittees, sub-roundtables, or other mechanisms to facilitate dialogue and resolution of issues and conflicts within the Roundtable area. These mechanisms may be permanent or temporary, and may be established to negotiate compacts, examine negotiated compacts, develop projects, represent geographically different areas within the Metro Roundtable area, or any other reason the Roundtable sees fit. The Roundtable may appoint non-members to subcommittees or sub-roundtables if the Roundtable determines, in its judgment, the best interests of the Roundtable would be served thereby. Section 13. Participation by Non-Members. Public participation in the Roundtable Process is encouraged by expressing views and opinions to Members. Roundtable Members 9

13 may take into account these views and opinions when deciding how the Roundtable business shall proceed. Section 14. Rule of Conduct. Robert s Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority of this Roundtable, subject to special rules which have been or shall be adopted. ARTICLE VIII ROUNDTABLE POWERS Section 1. Inter-basin Compacts. Upon the approval of the Interstate Compact Charter by the General Assembly, the Roundtable shall have the power to negotiate interbasin compacts with other Roundtables established under House Bill Section 2. Interbasin Compact Committee. The Roundtable Members shall elect two individuals to represent the Roundtable on the IBCC. The Representatives do not have to be members of the Roundtable, but at least one shall reside within the borders of the Roundtable and at least one of whom shall own adjudicated water rights, including owners of shares in a ditch or reservoir company or their agents. If consensus on two Representatives cannot be reached, the Roundtable Members will select Representatives by a majority vote. Each Representative shall serve a term of four years on the IBCC unless removed and replaced by a majority vote. The Representatives shall represent the views and interests of the Metro Roundtable on the IBCC. The Representatives shall also have the power to: Negotiate, approve, and amend the IBCC by-laws; Negotiate, approve, and amend the IBCC Charter; and Participate in the development of the IBCC s public education and outreach process. Section 3. Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Grants. The Roundtable shall serve as a forum for review and recommendation for approval of WSRA grant applications submitted to the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Section 4. Public Education and Outreach. The Roundtable shall serve as a forum for public involvement on water matters in the Roundtable area. The Roundtable will serve as a forum for education and debate regarding the goals, objectives, and operation of the Roundtable. ARTICLE IX CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS Section 1. Contracts. The Roundtable may authorize the chairperson or vice chairpersons, agent or agents, to enter into any contract on behalf of the Roundtable and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. 10

14 Section 2. Checks, Drafts, Etc. The Roundtable shall neither issue nor accept checks, drafts, or other forms of payment from private parties. ARTICLE X FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the Roundtable shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June in each year, unless otherwise designated by the Roundtable. ARTICLE XI WAIVER OF NOTICE Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Member of the Roundtable, under the provisions of these Bylaws or under the provisions of the Articles or under the provisions of the applicable laws of the State of Colorado, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before, at or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. ARTICLE XII INDEMNIFICATION The Roundtable shall have the power to indemnify any chairperson, vice chairperson, recorder, member, employee or agent of the Roundtable to the fullest extent permitted under Colorado law. ARTICLE XIII CHANGES TO AND RATIFICATION OF BYLAWS The Roundtable s Bylaws shall be reviewed annually. These Bylaws may be altered, amended, repealed or replaced by new bylaws by the Roundtable at any annual, regular or special meeting of the Roundtable, by a three-fourths (75%) majority vote. The Bylaws shall become valid and binding immediately upon ratification. All Members shall have received written notice of any and all proposed changes to the Bylaws at least two weeks prior to the date such changes are to be voted upon. ARTICLE XIV UNIFORMITY OF INTERPRETATION AND SEVERABILITY These Bylaws shall be so interpreted and construed as to conform to the statutes of the State of Colorado, and where conflict between these Bylaws and a statute has arisen or shall arise, the Bylaws shall be considered to be modified to the extent, but only to the extent, conformity shall require. If any Bylaw provision or its application shall be deemed invalid by reason of the said nonconformity, the remainder of the Bylaws shall remain operable in that the provisions set forth in the Bylaws are severable. 11

15 Metro Basin Roundtable Education Action Plan Background Information: The 2005 Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act (House Bill ) is based on the premise that Coloradans must work together to address water needs within the state. The legislation created a framework to encourage dialogue on water, broadened the range of stakeholders actively participating in water decisions, and created a locally driven process where the decision-making power rests with those living in the state's river basins. The statewide structure, the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC), and the local structures, the nine basin roundtables, bring over 300 diverse stakeholders into water supply planning discussions across the state. As each basin roundtable carries out its charge to develop basin-wide consumptive and non-consumptive water needs assessments, they are also required to advance the understanding of future water needs through educational programs and processes. In the statutes of HB , each basin roundtable has powers and responsibilities that include the following: "(c)... Basin roundtables shall actively seek the input and advice of affected local governments, water providers, and other interested stakeholders and persons in establishing its needs assessment, and shall propose projects or methods for meeting those needs. (d) Serve as a forum for education and debate regarding methods for meeting water supply needs; and (e) As needed, establish roundtable subcommittees or other mechanisms to facilitate dialogue and resolution of issues and conflicts within the basin." The Public Education, Participation, and Outreach (PEPO) Workgroup is a legislatively created committee of the IBCC. This group is tasked with: creating a process to inform, involve, and educate the public on the IBCC s activities and the progress of the interbasin compact negotiations; creating a mechanism by which public input and feedback can be relayed to the IBCC and compact negotiators; and educating IBCC and roundtable members on water issues. The PEPO Workgroup s membership consists of the Education Liaisons (a volunteer position on each basin roundtable), members of the IBCC, statewide water education experts, staff of the Water Supply Planning section of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and a consultant firm that facilitates the PEPO Workgroup. The members of this committee work to identify the best approaches for education and outreach at the statewide and basin-specific levels. The PEPO Workgroup and roundtable members are collectively defining the most helpful and meaningful ways in which the public can participate in the work of their basin roundtable. 1

16 The PEPO Workgroup will assist the basin roundtables in strengthening their education and outreach activities. Each roundtable is expected to have a functioning Education & Outreach Committee (E&O Committee) tasked with creating an Education Action Plan (EAP). The EAP will detail the educational goals and tasks most effective for the basin roundtable. It will identify roundtable member education activities that promote a well informed and high-functioning basin roundtable. It will also define public participation objectives and appropriate implementation methods. To assist the basin roundtables in implementing their completed EAPs, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has created an application-based education fund. All basin roundtables with a completed EAP will have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 in state funds per year for action plan implementation. Metro Basin Roundtable Education & Outreach Committee: The E&O Committee plans to draw from its member resources to continue the committee s work, building on the past successes and momentum established with assistance from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE). In order to accomplish the E&O Committee goals, objectives, and tasks, the E&O Committee will actively engage with PEPO and other basin round tables to find common ground and discuss differences. In the past, the E&O Committee had focused its efforts on educating local, county, and state elected officials, primarily through the Metro Basin Roundtable Reception held in the spring of 2011 and When the E&O Committee evaluated these events, they determined that the effort was worthwhile. Likewise, participants have indicated the Reception is a benefit; therefore, the E&O committee should continue to schedule this event. The E&O Committee, believing that a well-educated public can engage productively with their elected officials, propose an ongoing program that brings taxpayers, ratepayers and elected decision makers together in a forum that addresses the educational needs identified in the 2010 Basin Roundtable Education Survey This update to the Metro Roundtable Basin EAP presents those themes and a program plan to implement additional enhanced public outreach. The anticipated outcome is to create widespread public support for MBRT goals, and in this way engage the public, decisionmakers and elected officials to support solution-oriented water supply planning efforts of the Metro Basin Roundtable and its member organizations reflecting statewide efforts. I. Governance A) Names and affiliations of Education & Outreach Committee members: 1. Casey Davenhill, Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners MRT Education Liaison 2. Janet Bell, Bell Associates 2

17 3. Tom Bellenger, Metropolitan State University 4. Julio Iturreria, Arapahoe County 5. Mark Koleber (MBRT Chair), City of Thornton 6. Phyllis Thomas, Phyllis Thomas Consulting 7. Denver Water Matt Bond (pending approval) 8. Aurora Water Natalie Brower-Kirtin 9. Kristin Maharg, CFWE 10. Kate McIntyre, CWCB B) Annual meeting plan for Committee: 1. Monthly meetings; prior to regularly scheduled roundtable meetings as needed 2. Committee and/or sub-committees may meet more frequently as needed 3. Purpose is to discuss development and implementation of the EAP C) Current Sub-Committees 1. Education Action Plan Update Casey Davenhill, Phyllis Thomas, Janet Bell, Julio Iturreria 2. WSRA Liaisons 3. Others, as necessary II. Educational Priorities & Implementation Overall goal(s) of the E&O Committee: To educate and engage the public, decision-makers, and elected officials on solutionsoriented water supply planning OBJECTIVES TASKS LEAD(S) TIMELINE Integrate into statewide outreach initiatives Develop and communicate criteria for Basin RT approval of grant requests Meet with S. Platte BRT Ed. Com. to coordinate activities Have a roundtable presence at the future Statewide Roundtable Summits Review CWCB WSRA criteria, communicate to MBRT and evaluate need for MBRT specific criteria. Review of outcomes of previous WSRA grants Identify priorities within the Metro/S. Platte BIP Review and update surveys for MRT members and general public that help direct future communication, education and outreach planning. Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. Roundtable members WSRA Needs Committee and E&O Committee Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ongoing March 2015 June 2015 June 2015 June 2015 December

18 Provide consistency and commonality of water education outreach messaging Coordinate Social Media Communications Submit articles to news agencies on BIP and State Water Plan Solicit input from affected stakeholders Provide orientation for RT Members Promote integrity of the process Compile lists (map) of other groups that have background and interest in water issues. Develop simple message for RT members to take back to their communities Coordinate with existing programs and outreach Setup meetings with editorial board of local newspapers/newsletters within the Metro Area. Obtain commitment for articles in 2015 Revise Fact Sheet to be informative and shared with constituent groups Compile input to inform development of outreach events and workshops Recruit new MRT members and committee members to enhance effectiveness, diversity and participation. Recommend other committee formation? Update content for member notebook Work with CWCB and CFWE to ensure MRT information is up to date (bylaws, membership information, etc.) Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * December 2015 June 2015 June 2015 December 2015 December 2015 December 2015 All December 2015 All December 2015 Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * All June 2015 Ongoing Submit WSRA grant application for staff assistance or education coordinator to assist Ed. Com. Ed. Liaison Spring

19 Develop meeting agenda based on compiled input, current issues and roundtable s portfolio of solutions Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Summer 2015 Work with S. Platte RT to host a public meeting for elected officials Secure venue Find appropriate speakers and meeting facilitator Identify and outreach to elected officials and decision-makers Develop and print attendee packet of speaker/educational materials Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * All Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com. * Summer 2015 Fall 2015 Ongoing February- March 2016 Host the reception in March- April 2016, including day-of logistics All (CWCB, BRT, CFWE, CWA) March April 2016 Follow-up from 2013 meeting Review the attendee evaluation forms and revise future activities to reflect the results.. Long Term 2016 and Beyond Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com /PEPO April 2015 BIP & State Plan Outreach Submit periodic articles to basin news agencies on BIP and State Plan Work with 3rd party/universities to develop online survey to gauge public s support Follow up with the participants of the public meetings on their informational needs Develop content, venue, speakers, etc. Market to appropriate audiences Record the event for a future speaker s bureau Recruit roundtable members to write articles TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD Beyond 2015 TBD TBD Throughout 5

20 and knowledge of the BIP and State Water Plan Note: Ed. Liaison /Ed.Com * refers to tasks that require hired technical, research and writing assistance. III. Budget The E&O Committee proposes to use $2000 in state funds, immediately, to hire assistance in research and writing for the Education and Outreach Committee. The Committee also proposes to use state funds later in 2015 to hire a facilitator to conduct a joint Metro/S. Platte Education & Outreach session with the goal of identifying Education & Outreach priorities and strategies to implement those priorities. The Metro Basin Roundtable E&O Committee has been encouraged to develop grant proposals and anticipates applying for a WSRA grant; and to partner with other organizations to fund the efforts described above over the next several years. Below is a conceptual list of proposed programs currently under consideration. Outreach to DARCA (Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance), S. Platte Roundtable, Arkansas Roundtable and various watershed groups. Details of the grant proposals and budgets are in the process of being developed for later presentation to and approval by the Metro Roundtable. The E&O Committee and partners(s) will articulate how each task seeking WSRA funding relates to the Metro Roundtable activities, Basin Implementation Plan and the WSRA Needs Committee. IV. Partnerships The E&O Committee plans to expand on previous efforts to identify and partner with other groups and/or entities, which are doing water related public education and outreach. These groups know their respective communities and/or audiences best and can help identify how the message of the Metro Basin Roundtable and IBCC could be integrated into their programs to reach an increased percent of the state s general public. The E&O Committee thinks the Metro Roundtable, the IBCC, and the State would be best served if common messages were being communicated regarding the precious nature of water, the importance of conservation and the need to support and implement solutions (IPPs) through the Basin Implementation Plans. Educational groups and efforts already existing in the Metro area as potential partners: 6

21 Colorado Foundation for Water Education Metro State College of Denver OWOW Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners Denver Water Aurora Water City of Thornton-Utilities other water providers Colorado Division of Water Resources EPA South Platte Greenway Foundation Colorado WaterWise Council Colorado Watershed Assembly American Public Works Association America Water Works Association Urban Waters Partnership CSU Water Center Colorado Water Quality Control Division Colorado Stormwater Council Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance CSU Extension Offices Special Districts Colorado Counties, Inc. Chambers of Commerce Other Round Tables 7

22 Metro Roundtable Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Program Guidelines Approved July 2015 Metro Basin Roundtable (MRT) Priorities: Maximize Implementation of Identified Projects and Processes (IPPs). Priority will be given to IPPs that provide a yield for the Metro area or reduce the Metro area M&I Gap as well as those serving other parts of the South Platte Basin that significantly leverages other funding for implementation. Implement conservation and reuse projects and programs in the Metro area or significantly leverage other funding for conservation and reuse in other parts of the South Platte Basin. Implement multi purpose storage projects. Priority will be given to storage projects that provide a yield for Metro area and South Platte Basin water providers. Implement efforts that improve federal and state permitting processes without diminishing environmental protections. Implement projects or programs that protect and enhance environmental and recreational attributes. Priority will be given to projects or programs in focus areas in the BIP that are in the Metro area. Other priorities will be to implement endangered species programs, or programs to prevent the listing of threatened species in the South Platte Basin, as well as projects or programs in other focus areas in the BIP. Implement projects, programs, or studies that continue to investigate, preserve, and develop new Colorado River Basin supplies. Implement projects that maximize use of existing South Platte Basin water supplies including groundwater. Implement projects or programs that promote and advance Alternative Transfer Methods in lieu of buy and dry. Research new technologies and strategies to utilize lesser quality water supplies. Implement projects or programs that manage the risks of climate change. Implement communications and outreach programs on water projects and issues in the Metro area and South Platte Basin. 1

23 Contents Program Summary... 3 Background... 3 Funding Source... 4 Purpose... 4 MRT Vision... 4 Eligible Entities... 5 Call for Projects... 5 Match Requirements... 5 How to Apply... 6 Reports to the Roundtable Following Grant Award and Contracting

24 Program Summary How/Where to Apply? supply reserveaccountgrants/pages/statewidewatersupplyreserveaccountgrants.aspx Eligible Entities Government, Districts, Private Incorporated, Non governmental organizations Match Requirements 25% Background Colorado s growth and development as a state are intertwined with water. Development and management of water is complex, controversial and at times contentious. Decisions regarding water have become increasingly complex as Colorado has experienced both unprecedented population growth and a greater emphasis on multiple uses of this precious resource. To facilitate discussions on water management issues and encourage locally driven collaborative solutions, nine basin roundtables were established by the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act. These roundtables represent each of the state s eight major river basins and the Denver metropolitan area. The Metro Roundtable (MRT) is the only roundtable not designated out of a natural hydrological river basin. The Metro region s unique needs and water uses necessitated its designation apart from the South Platte River Basin (within which it lies). In 2010, the Denver Metro region had more than 2.6 million residents about half of the state s population and by 2050, this number is expected to increase to 4.1 million residents. Nearly two thirds of the increase in the state gross municipal and industrial (M&I) demand for water by 2030 will be in the overall South Platte Basin (a combination of the MRT and the South Platte Basin Roundtable areas). The MRT WSRA Program is designed to help meet this demand by funding projects and processes that are consistent with the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan, including but not limited to: Maximize Implementation of Identified Projects and Processes (IPPs). Priority will be given to IPPs that provide a yield for the Metro area or reduce the Metro area M&I Gap as well as those serving other parts of the South Platte Basin that significantly leverages other funding for implementation. Implement conservation and reuse projects and programs in the Metro area or significantly leverage other funding for conservation and reuse in other parts of the South Platte Basin. Implement multi purpose storage projects. Priority will be given to storage projects that provide a yield for Metro area and South Platte Basin water providers. Implement efforts that improve federal and state permitting processes without diminishing environmental protections. Implement projects or programs that protect and enhance environmental and recreational attributes. Priority will be given to projects or programs in focus areas in the BIP that are in the Metro area. Other priorities will be to implement endangered species programs, or programs to prevent the listing of threatened species in the South Platte Basin, as well as projects or programs in other focus areas in the BIP. 3

25 Implement projects, programs, or studies that continue to investigate, preserve, and develop new Colorado River Basin supplies. Implement projects that maximize use of existing South Platte Basin water supplies including groundwater. Implement projects or programs that promote and advance Alternative Transfer Methods in lieu of buy and dry. Research new technologies and strategies to utilize lesser quality water supplies. Implement projects or programs that manage the risks of climate change. Implement communications and outreach programs on water projects and issues in the Metro area and South Platte Basin. Funding Source The Water Supply Reserve Account authorizing legislation (SB ) created an account to help citizens identify and meet their critical water supply needs and provides funds for a broad range of eligible activities. SB reauthorized the program in perpetuity and appropriates $10 million annually for the fund, subject to available funding. In recent years, total funding has ranged between $4 million and $10 million. Account funds are divided between statewide and basin funds. The statewide account provides funding for projects that are of statewide significance. Approximately 60% of total available funding is awarded through the statewide account. The remaining funds, approximately 40%, are divided equally among the nine roundtable areas, providing approximately $450,000 annually for projects of importance within the roundtable area. Purpose The Metro Roundtable (MRT) has actively developed several projects by leveraging funds from the Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA). It is the goal of these WSRA Account Grant Guidelines to: Provide documented guidelines and procedures for WSRA grant applications, suitable for the needs of the MRT and consistent with the CWCB guidelines, and help maximize applicant success of meeting the information needs of the MRT in pursuit of WSRA grants from both the statewide and/or basin accounts. Provide a mechanism to aid grant applicants in understanding the requirements of the WSRA grant application process and allow the MRT Needs Committee to provide feedback to applicants in order to align projects with Metro area needs and strengthen the applications. Provide an evaluation methodology that gives the greatest preference to projects that support the principles and goals of the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan (BIP). Provide the opportunity for the MRT to evaluate grant applications with more thorough consideration of the suitability of the project for the Metro Area. The MRT Needs Committee may actively seek grant proposals that meet the MRT s top priority goals. MRT Vision These guidelines are intended to create structure around the WSRA funding request approval process in such a way that will promote applications that best address the consumptive and environmental and recreational needs of the Metro area. 4

26 As a majority of Colorado s M&I gap is expected to occur in the South Platte Basin, the MRT believes that efforts to meet M&I demands should continue to be a high priority for the basin. The MRT also believes that efforts to close the projected M&I gap should be done in a way that ensures to the greatest extent possible the long term sustainability of the Basin s agriculture and natural environment, both for their own sake and for the beneficial economies, open space, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation activities that agriculture and a healthy environment support. The MRT wishes to encourage WSRA grant funded projects of statewide and local basin significance to address existing and future M&I demands while also meeting goals related to the long term sustainability of agricultural economies and the natural environment. As such, all projects seeking to receive favorable grant consideration by the MRT should be able to demonstrate how their project will encourage collaboration while providing multiple benefit projects or studies and planning efforts that meet the MRT Priorities. It is important for WSRA Grant applicants to understand that MRT members are focused on delivering on the ground solutions to the M&I gap, but doing so in a manner that lessens the negative impacts to agriculture, the environment, and recreation. To date, several multiple benefit projects have been approved and developed by the MRT. Of course, the MRT recognizes that not all individual projects can accomplish these ambitious goals. Therefore, projects that only meet one or two of the needs will be considered according to their contribution to the basin and statewide goals for meeting future water demand. The roundtable is committed to demonstrating the value of non consumptive projects by fulfilling this directive. Eligible Entities In order to be eligible for MRT grants, applicants must be registered business entities legally conducting business in Colorado, municipal corporations, Title 32 water and sanitation districts, or other city, state or local governmental or quasi governmental entities. Private, meaning private individuals, partnerships and sole proprietors are not eligible for Statewide WSRA funds (though may apply for Basin funds) and must either organize a legal entity to manage the project and apply for funds, or work through an eligible agency to be the fiscal agent. Call for Projects The MRT Needs Committee will provide information on the MRT WSRA process, and at times, actively seek applicants or projects that are designated as MRT top priorities. The MRT Needs Committee will be happy to answer any specific questions a prospective applicant may have prior to their application submittal. The MRT Needs Committee can be reach through the Committee Chair, Tim Murrell, at tmurrell@douglas.co.us Match Requirements Applications for Basin Funds The CWCB does not dictate a specific amount of match for basin projects. However, the MRT recommends at least 25% match for basin funds, from either cash or in kind contributions. Applicants should be able to accurately describe how they will account for in kind match. Applications for Statewide Funds Statewide applications must provide at least 25% match from either cash or in kind sources. At least 5% of the 25% match must come from the sponsoring roundtable s basin account. 5

27 How to Apply 1. Review the Water Supply Reserve Account Grant Criteria and Guidelines, and the Evaluation Criteria Tiers 1 3 Supplemental Scoring Matrix, which are available on the CWCB website. 2. The applicant will provide a short (no more than a two page) summary of the project that includes elements outlined elsewhere, which address how the project addresses the Program Guidelines. 3. The applicant must provide a short presentation (5 10 minutes) to the MRT at least one month prior to the time that they seek WSRA grant approval from the MRT. This provides the entire MRT the opportunity to learn more about the application and ask questions related to the grant request. The presentation must be scheduled through the MRT Needs Committee at least two weeks prior to the MRT meeting at which the presentation is requested to occur. All attempts will be made to provide the opportunity to present at the MRT meeting requested but may be limited to a certain number of applicants based on meeting agenda constraints. Applicants can reach the Committee through the Chair, Tim Murrell, at tmurrell@douglas.co.us 4. After the initial presentation the MRT will decide whether the grant request sufficiently meets their priorities. Assuming the MRT decides the grant request should move forward, and there are available MRT WSRA funds, the Applicant must provide a completed grant application to the Needs Committee. At this stage there is no guarantee that the Applicant s grant will be approved but is a significant hurdle to final approval. The Needs Committee will then coordinate with the MRT Chair to schedule time on a future meeting agenda (next regularly scheduled meeting where possible) to seek MRT final approval. 5. Submit the Grant Application form (Word or text enabled PDF), statement of work, budget and schedule by the first of the month proceeding the month of a CWCB Board meeting via to the CWCB s Water Supply Planning Section. Electronic applications can also be mailed to: Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Planning Section WSRA Application 1580 Logan Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO Work with CWCB staff to address any issues or additional information needed prior to CWCB Board review. 7. Submit W 9 and Insurance Certificate form, if requested. Applicants may also seek Statewide Funds. Statewide Funds, which are administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), require approval by the MRT and by the CWCB Board. More information about WSRA Statewide Funds can be found here: (link) supply reserve account 6

28 grants/pages/statewidewatersupplyreserveaccountgrants.aspx. An applicant must apply and receive Basin Funds (at least 5% of total grant request), and request a letter of support from the MRT, to qualify for Statewide Funds. Because of this requirement, the Basin Fund and Statewide Fund application schedules were aligned. Summer Winter CWCB Award Decision September March Reports to the Roundtable Following Grant Award and Contracting The CWCB will require a written report regarding contract progress and project status. The applicant will submit reports to the CWCB and also provide the report to the MRT Needs Committee. The applicant will coordinate with the MRT Chairperson to provide an update no less than once annually beginning six months from the date of the notice to proceed. 7

29 South Platte Basin Implementation Plan The Basin Implementation Plans will inform the development of Colorado s Water Plan Governor John Hickenlooper SOUTH PLATTE BASIN FACTS by 2050 Population will grow by 2.5 million Water demand projected to exceed supply Only 80% 20% of the State s population of the State s water supply 7 of 10 top agricultural producing counties are located in the basin South Platte Basin contains 3 of the top 5 most-visited state parks NORTH PLATTE YAMPA/WHITE SOUTH PLATTE SOUTH PLATTE CHALLENGE In most years, the South Platte Basin does not have sufficient water to meet all of its needs and it faces an increasing water supply gap due to anticipated population growth. The Basin must work to protect the current vitality of economic, social, environmental and recreational attributes through management of its existing water supplies while simultaneously planning to meet future water needs. The South Platte basin is home to 19 state or federally listed threatened, endangered or species of special concern as well as various imperiled plant communities METRO COLORADO GUNNISON ARKANSAS RIO GRANDE SOUTHWEST COLORADO S NINE ROUNDTABLES flickr: zachd1_618 WATER SUPPLY ISSUES SUPPLY In most years, every drop of water in the river is being used Additional surface and groundwater storage, water transfers, reuse, conservation or other strategies to meet the basin s growing demands are needed QUALITY High quality water sources have already been developed Lower Basin supplies require advanced treatment or blending with higher quality water CONSTRAINTS ON WATER USE South Platte and Republican River Compacts Endangered Species Act Surface and Groundwater Storage ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECREATIONAL It is important to maintain or enhance environmental and recreational attributes, including needed stream flows Federal and State permitting inefficiencies can slow development of new projects OVERARCHING THEMES 1. A Good Colorado Plan Needs a Good South Platte Plan The economies of the State s river basins are closely intertwined. A comprehensive South Platte Basin Implementation Plan will need to be consistent with the values represented in Governor Hickenlooper s executive order. A comprehensive and reliable solution to meeting the South Platte basin s consumptive, environmental and recreational water supply gaps benefits all of Colorado and all Coloradan s share the need for a viable South Platte plan. The default plan of continued and possibly extensive loss of agricultural production is not in Colorado s overall interest. 2. Solutions must be Pragmatic, Balanced and Consistent with Colorado Law and Property Rights A useful basin implementation plan must deal with the realities of obtaining regulatory approvals. 3. The South Platte River Basin will continue its Leadership Role in Efficient Use and Management of Water No person, company or institution operates without risk/ perils of change. The State s future as a whole (and the future of each of its river basins) depends on efficient, sustainable and collaborative solutions. 4. A Balanced Program is needed to Plan and Preserve Colorado River Basin Options A balanced program to plan and preserve options to responsibly develop Colorado River Basin water to benefit both east slope and west slope consumptive, environmental and recreational water uses is needed to assure that the State s plan has equal focus on the other three previously identified strategies including: 1) developing IPPs; 2) municipal conservation and reuse; and 3) agricultural transfers.