CO SB221

Appropriates $380,000 for 2019-20 to the Division of Water Resources for satellite monitoring system operation, maintenance, and renovation of gauging stations, including stream gauge flood hardening and flood forecasting data collection.

Appropriates $500,000 for the Colorado floodplain map modernization program to assist communities in preparing revised floodplain studies and maps and participate in federally sponsored activities.

Appropriates $175,000 for weather modification permitting program to assist water districts with cloud seeding programs for snowpack enhancement.

Appropriates $17,500,000 for continuation of the Colorado water plan implementation, with designated amounts for planning studies ($4 million), water storage and recharge projects ($3 million), agricultural projects ($1 million), conservation and drought planning ($1 million), environmental and recreational projects ($1.5 million), and basin implementation plan updates ($5.5 million).

Authorizes $15,150,000 in loans to three central Colorado water entities for the Walker recharge project to increase irrigation opportunities by using the South Platte River alluvial aquifer for water supply retiming.