Gov. Jared Polis signs House Bill 23-1220, “Republican River Groundwater Economic Impact Investigation,” during a ceremony at Blach Farms in Yuma County, Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Photo provided)
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis made a special visit to Yuma County on Saturday to sign Rep. Richard Holtorff’s signature bill into law in the 2023 Congress.
According to a press release, House Bill 23-1220, the Republican River Water Study Act, allows the Colorado State University Water Institute to study the economic impact of the Republican River in the tristate region, which includes Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. It is said that it will be possible. From the Holtorf office.
“This will allow the Republican River Water Conservation Commission and the state of Colorado to plan the future fiscal expenditures needed to complete the massive irrigated acre decommissioning plan over the next six years,” the release said. is described in
The bill’s outline refers to a 2016 resolution signed by three states to address disputes over Colorado’s adherence to the 1942 Interstate Agreement on Water Allocation from the Basin. Under the resolution, Colorado agreed to eliminate 25,000 acres of irrigated land within the basin by 2029.
The purpose of the bill-mandated investigation is “to ensure the viability of agriculture in the Republican River Basin and Conservation Areas to meet full Compact compliance in the three state areas,” Holtorf said in a release. ing.
A final report from the Water Institute on the anticipated economic effects of forced removal of groundwater withdrawals will be submitted by January 1, 2026.
Members of the Republican River Water Conservation District, including the President and Executive Director, attended the bill signing at Blach Farm in the Republican Basin, as well as Yuma County Commissioners and current resident irrigated corn farmer Dave Blach. . A farm in the basin.
Holtorff will represent the 63rd District of the House of Representatives, which includes Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties.
In addition to Holtorf (R-Akron), Rep. Karen McCormick (D-Longmont) was listed as the primary sponsor of the House’s HB 23-1220. In the Senate, the bill was introduced by Senators Byron Pelton (Republican, Stirling) and Senators Rod Pelton (Republican, Cheyenne Wells).
