Study Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management

The act requires the university of Colorado and Colorado state university, in collaboration with the division of administration (division) in the department of public health and environment (department), to:

• On or before October 1, 2024, start to conduct a feasibility study of the use of green infrastructure, which refers to interconnected networks of green spaces for water quality management solutions that are an alternative to traditional gray infrastructure, which refers to centralized water quality treatment facilities, and the use of green financing mechanisms for water quality management;
• Complete the feasibility study on or before April 1, 2026; and
• Establish up to 3 pilot projects in the state to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure and the financing of an alternative compliance program. Each pilot project may be operated for up to 5 years and the universities may provide technical assistance to the operator of a pilot project.

On or before November 1, 2026, the division, in coordination with the universities, is required to submit a report and, on or before February 1, 2027, present the report to the water resources and agriculture review committee. The report and presentation must concern the progress of the feasibility study and any pilot projects and on any legislative and administrative recommendations to promote the use of green infrastructure and green financing mechanisms for water quality management in the state.

APPROVED by Governor May 24, 2024

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)