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Related Information
Congressman Polis Previews Draft Summit and Eagle County Wilderness Preservation Legislation
August 11, 2010
» Read Release
| Support HB 1141: Give local governments the information and tools they need to protect consumers
(Representative Curry, Senator Bacon)
HB 1141 requires applicants for development permits for projects of more than 50 single family equivalents to provide local governments with better and more complete information regarding the adequacy of the proposed water supply for the project. Depending on the water supplier for the project, the applicant may be required to have a professional engineer or qualified water expert submit a water report or may be able to simply refer to water planning information already on file. If the local government wishes, it may request that the State Engineer review the information submitted by the applicant. The bill gives local governments authority to deny developments for which there is not an adequate water supply, but the local government retains discretion to decide whether to authorize the development.
It's time for a sound policy on water and growth
More than a million new residents are expected in Colorado in the next decade. It is only prudent to take steps now to ensure that we have enough water to serve the new homes that will be built in response to this growth.
For too long, we have tiptoed around the problem of houses being built where no sustainable supply of water exists to serve them. It is not sound policy to allow development in the hopes that new water sources will be found to serve it sometime in the future.
Homeowners should be guaranteed water in thier homes
Just as homeowners want safe wiring and solid foundations for their homes, they want to know that when they turn on their taps, water will come out, not only when they first move in, but also 20 years down the line.
It is common sense to ask developers to provide sound evidence that a sustainable and sufficient water supply will be available for new construction. Colorado has a limited water supply. It is irresponsible to build new homes without knowing for sure that there is a sustainable water source allocated for those homes.
Opportunities/ Benefits
HB 1141 puts local governments in the driver's seat by giving them the information and tools they need to make informed development decisions.
Local governments retain the authority to approve or deny development. In addition, the bill clarifies current law to give local governments the express authority to deny a development application if they have water availability concerns; this address a current concern of some local governments.
Currently, the information that local governments receive on the proposed water supply for a development permit often comes only from the developers; this bill will ensure that local governments are provided with a better picture of the adequacy of that water supply.
Allows communities and water suppliers who have already completed detailed water supply planning to use this information rather than reinventing the wheel.
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