HB23-1010 Summary

• Creates a seven-member task force to study the feasibility of high-altitude water storage in Colorado, including snow storage in high-altitude areas.

• Task force membership includes the State Engineer, one state representative, one state senator, representatives from Colorado's ski and whitewater rafting industries, a high-altitude hydrology engineer, and a U.S. Forest Service representative.

• Task force must examine the relationship between snowmaking and water storage, whether snowmaking represents meaningful storage, small-scale storage alternatives, and cost-benefit analysis comparing snowmaking to reservoir construction.

• Task force must submit a report to the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee by June 1, 2024, describing feasibility, findings, recommendations, and any legislative proposals with identified responsible agencies and funding sources.

• Task force is repealed effective December 1, 2024, and the act takes effect 90 days after final adjournment unless subject to a referendum petition.