S_AGR_2020A 01/23/2020 01:37:01 PM Committee Summary

Trish Oeth, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), introduced Kevin Greer, April Long, and Paul Frohardt, appointees to the Water Quality Control Commission. Mr. Greer, Ms. Long, and Mr. Frohardt introduced themselves to the committee and explained their qualifications to serve on the commission.

Cathy Ritter, Colorado Tourism Office, introduced Robert Stinchcomb, Sonia Riggs, Peter Piccolo, and Tammie Thompson-Booker, appointees to the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors. Ms. Ritter also explained the qualifications of Wanda James to serve on the board. Ms. James was unable to attend the hearing. Mr. Stinchcomb, Ms. Riggs, Mr. Piccolo, and Ms. Thompson-Booker introduced themselves to the committee and explained their qualifications to serve on the board.

President Garcia and Senator Hisey, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-003, which appropriates $10.0 million to the Department of Natural Resources to open a new state park and improve infrastructure and amenities at existing state parks.

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources, and Doug Vilsack, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. Director Gibbs and Mr. Vilsack responded to committee questions. Senator Donovan discussed a packet of letters of support that was distributed to the committee (Attachment A).

Scott Segerstrom, Colorado Youth Corps Association, testified in support of the bill.

Jan Douglas, Colorado Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.

Beau Kiklis, Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Gina Cimino, Trinidad Redevelopment Group, testified in support of the bill.

President Garcia and Senator Hisey provided closing comments on the bill.

President Garcia, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-025, which gives flood control conservancy districts the authority to participate in artistic and beautification projects on waterways, and deems such projects to be current expenses of the district.

Don Banner, Pueblo Conservancy District, testified in support of the bill.

President Garcia provided closing comments on the bill.

Senators Donovan and Coram, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-048, which requires the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources to convene a work group during the 2020 interim to explore ways to strengthen water anti-speculation law.

Senator Donovan, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-002, which codifies the Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program in the Department of Local Affairs. Senator Donovan discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Senator Donovan responded to committee questions.

Richard Orf, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan provided closing comments on the bill and responded to committee questions.