CO SB212

Establishes a water plan implementation grant program administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board to fund water-related projects across five categories: water storage and supply, conservation and land use, engagement and innovation, agricultural, and environmental and recreation projects.

Limits grants to no more than 50 percent of individual project costs, with total board funding capped at 75 percent of project costs, requiring applicants to provide matching funds.

Eligible applicants include governmental entities (municipalities, districts, counties, state agencies), covered entities with approved water conservation plans, and private entities including mutual ditch companies and nonprofit corporations.

Appropriates $8,300,000 from the general fund for 2019-20 fiscal year to finance grant-making, with funds available until project completion or close of 2021-22 fiscal year, whichever is first.

Appropriates an additional $1,700,000 from the general fund for 2019-20 fiscal year for stakeholder outreach and technical analysis to develop a water resources demand management program.

Transfers $10,000,000 annually from the severance tax trust fund to the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund beginning July 1, 2017, to fund studies, programs, or projects implementing the state water plan.