The best news I can offer today is every river basin in Colorado is above the median average for this date.
Does this mean that we are over our water issues? No, but we should have enough water for a good summer.
I am currently working on draft language for “Sustainable funding for Colorado’s water future.”
When I hear people talk about new water, I tend to get a little agitated. There is not such a thing as new water. So-called new water to one person is only available because someone else no longer has theirs.
All of our water projects are currently funded by severance taxes mainly generated by oil and gas production.
Due to the ebbs and flows of constantly changing production numbers, it has been impossible to adequately project revenue. If we are going to meet our projected growth by the year 2050, we must start now to be financially ready for the issues that will be presented.
We must consider all the options that may stretch our current water resources to meet the new demands.
Remember, there is no new water.
Hopefully, the drafting will be complete by early March.
This is the beginning, not the end.
I recently introduced SB-19-067. This bill deals with creating jobs in rural Colorado. Most of the other economic development programs have mainly benefited metropolitan areas.
Over the summer, I worked with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to repurpose some the funds available from the Colorado Venture Capital Fund to a new Greater Colorado Venture Fund.
This program is up and running with an initial $9.1 million and a target of $15 million.
As exciting as this was, I quickly realized that it also left a gap; some entrepreneurs do not qualify for assistance under this program.
SB-19-067 will provide seed money for great ideas, but we are cash-strapped to build prototypes as an example to prove the concept. Funds available will be up to $150,000 with a one-third match.
In the fall, I had the opportunity to visit a business in Durango called Stone Age.
This business was created in a garage and today has surpassed $50 million in annual sales with a workforce of over 200. I realize that some businesses will fail, but who knows, there may be another jewel out there with the potential of another Stone Age.
Crafting legislation is a lot like making sausage. The process may not be fun to watch, but the results can be quite rewarding. That can happen with the passing of a bill or even the death of a bill. A bill starting in one chamber can dramatically change when it goes the other chamber.
For a bill to go to the governor, both chambers must agree on the exact language. If not, an impasse can occur, and the legislation is dead.
Just because you read something on social media, it may or may not be the truth. In many cases, truth is the first casualty of someone promoting their agenda.
Trust, but verify, even when your mother tells you she loves you.
Don Coram, a Republican from Montrose, represents State Senate District 6. Contact Sen. Coram by phone at (303) 866-4884 or by e-mail at don@doncoram.com.
