Here’s an update on SB09-141, the bill that will set up the Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District, from Chris Woodka writing for the Pueblo Chieftain. From the article:
There could be a handful of minor changes in the bill (SB141), which was discussed Friday at a meeting of the interim board that is extending the work of the Fountain Creek Vision Task Force until the district is created. Although several members were absent, so no action could be taken, the consensus was to make changes that cleared up concerns about the new district…
The interim committee is made up representatives from El Paso and Pueblo counties, which approved an intergovernmental agreement in December. Since then, cities in El Paso County and the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District also have signed the agreement. Pueblo City Council could agree to sign the IGA on Monday. Sewer districts in El Paso County on Friday asked the interim committee to urge lawmakers to spell out the role of regulators in the new legislation…
“I think it’s important to know that the Colorado Water Quality Commission is the final authority in the state on water quality,” said attorney Tad Foster, who represents the Tri-Lake, Upper Monument, Security and Fountain sewer districts. Wastewater plants already are highly regulated, and must meet stringent water quality standards. The new Fountain Creek district should not be in a position to regulate those discharges, Foster said. Foster wanted specific language in the bill that the district would have no authority over municipal sewer plants. The committee agreed…
Attorneys for both counties agreed the changes were appropriate, and recommended another change that would give the new district limited power to act as well as advocate on Fountain Creek issues. The bill would set up a nine-member board that would have jurisdictional authority in the flood plain of Fountain Creek from Fountain to Pueblo. It would also make input on land-use decisions throughout the 930-mile watershed. It would be able to assess taxes in El Paso and Pueblo counties only with voter approval, but could impose service charges or fees.