The Governor s Commission on Saving Open Space, Farms and Ranches recommended that the state adopt a pilot water-banking program for operation in the Arkansas Valley. Now the state legislature is responding. The legislation is cosponsored by State Representative Brad Young. Steve Arveschoug, General Manager of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, testified in support of the legislation. Steve served on the Governor s Commission on Saving Open Space, Farms and Ranches.
Water banking can provide such an alternative.
Steve went on to say that developing additional storage capacity in the basin will be a key to the long-term success of a water bank in the Arkansas Valley. Agriculture Department Commissioner, Don Ament, who also served on the Governor s Commission, testified in support of the bill urging lawmakers to support innovative ideas to preserve agriculture and keep the water on the land. The State Engineer s Office and the Colorado Water Conservation Board also supported the legislation and had representatives testify in favor of the bill. The State Engineer will issue a report to the Governor and the Legislature at the conclusion of the five-year pilot program detailing the effectiveness of the program HB 1354 has a long way to go before it becomes law, but it appears to have support at the state level. The real test will be when farmers and cities have the option to use the bank.