Title
A Resolution reaffirming the Arkansas Basin Preservation Principles and in support of Regional Efforts to Ensure that Arkansas River basin water is not permanently transferred out of the basin
Presenter:
Travas Deal, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Kim Gortz, Water Resource Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities
Body
Summary:
In 2003, the City of Colorado Springs, alongside Southeastern, Lower Arkansas, and Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy Districts, the City Council of Pueblo, and Pueblo Board of Water, ratified the Arkansas Preservation Principles. This decision grew out of the City of Aurora's acquisition of agricultural water rights in the Lower Arkansas Valley. The Principles were adopted with the belief that collaboration among the signatories would enhance their ability to protect their shared interests in the Arkansas River Basin. Now, two decades later, Aurora seeks to purchase and transfer agricultural water out of the Lower Arkansas Valley. Colorado Springs Utilities seeks to reaffirm its commitment to the Principles and express its opposition to permanently transfer water out of the Arkansas River Basin.
Background:
Springs Utilities is committed to the protection of the Arkansas River Basin and has spent significant time and effort developing relationships with farmers in the Lower Arkansas Valley through its Water Sharing Program. This includes Resolution 165-03 authorizing the Mayor to sign the Principles and committing to abide by the Principles in Resolution 148-22 in October 2022 approving the Bent County IGA.
Previous Council Action:
Resolution 165-03 in September 2003
Resolution 148-22 in October 2022
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Approve the proposed Resolution reaffirming the Arkansas Basin Preservation Principles and opposing City of Aurora’s water rights purchase in Otero County, not approve the resolution, or take no action.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve the proposed Resolution reaffirming the Arkansas Basin Preservation Principles and opposing City of Aurora’s water rights purchase in Otero County which will permanently transfer supplies out of the Arkansas basin, not approve the resolution, or take no action.
Summary of Ordinance Language
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