Conservation Groups Welcome Governor's Proposed Investment in Colorado Water Plan

(DENVER, COLO – Nov. 2, 2018) Today, several Colorado conservation and river advocacy groups praised Gov. John Hickenlooper’s proposal to add a record $30 million to implement Colorado’s Water Plan and help prepare the state for the increasing dangers of drought.

In his budget request for FY 2019-2020, submitted to the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee Nov. 1, the governor proposes to invest $30 million over the next three years from the general fund, on top of funds already earmarked for water projects that benefit river health and our communities across the state.

The groups – Environmental Defense Fund, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Western Resource Advocates, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Colorado, American Rivers and Audubon – called the proposal a “smart investment in healthy rivers that will have ripple effects across Colorado. We thank Governor Hickenlooper, and look forward to working with the legislature and the next governor to make this a reality, and ensure that we continue to invest in a secure and reliable water supply for our state.”

“This budget request is a recognition of the importance of water to Colorado families, of water challenges that Colorado could face, and the imperative that Colorado secures its water future,” the groups said. “This is a tremendous step forward, and a sustainable water future for Colorado families will require continued investments. We look forward to working with the next governor and the legislature on longer-term commitments that will ensure the state has the resources to fully implement the Colorado Water Plan.”