CO HB1178

Establishes an emergency dewatering grant program through the Colorado Water Conservation Board to address high groundwater levels in Gilcrest and Sterling, Colorado that are damaging crops and flooding basements and septic systems.

Creates the Emergency Dewatering Grant Account within the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund with appropriations of $165,000 for fiscal year 2015-16 and $290,000 for fiscal year 2016-17.

Authorizes the Board in collaboration with the State Engineer to award grants to public entities, private entities, and private individuals for emergency pumping of permitted dewatering wells in or near Gilcrest and Sterling.

Requires the Board to consult with the South Platte Basin Roundtable on dewatering costs and infrastructure needs, develop grant criteria and guidelines, and provide annual progress reports to the Water Resources Review Committee with a final report due by October 1, 2017.

Sunsets the entire program effective July 1, 2018.