HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.002-05City of Aspen
Resolution #2, Series of 2005
Whereas, Recreational In-Channel Diversion (RICD) water rights are written in Colorado
statute and are broadly acknowledged as a beneficial non-consumptive water use
and are of growing importance to Colorado's tourism and recreation industries;
and;
Whereas, The language in SB OS-062 attempts to greatly restrict the usage of a RICD
water right and surreptitiously redefines what a RICD water right is; and;
Whereas, If passed SB OS-062 would signiTicantly reduce the ability to utilize a RICD water
right and would have damaging effects on the tourism-based economies they were
originally designed to support; and;
Whereas, The proponent suggests that a RICD water right holder has an underlying mission
to restrict growth, overlooking the element that local governments are the primary
holders of RICD water rights and are responsible for growth rate approvals; and;
Whereas, SB OS-062 has been introduced by State Senator Jack Taylor, who represents
multiple tourism and recreation dependent municipalities and counties and who
has otherwise been a solid advocate of Colorado's vital tourism industry;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the City of Aspen at a meeting held on this 14`h day
February 2005, expresses its opposition to SB OS-062 and urges Senator Jack Taylor to
immediately withdraw this inequitable Legislation.
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Approved on~~.~GC~(I GZ~ti-. a ~7'~ity of Aspen
ATTEST:
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
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February 25, 2005
Senator Lewis Entz
Colorado State Senator, District 5
200 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
Deaz SenatorEntz:
Subject: Recreational hl Channel Diversions (RICD's)
*I
THE CITY OF ASPEN
N'ASER DEPART..\fENT
I am enclosing a resolution adopted by the Aspen City Council concerning SB OS-062. The
Aspen City Council unanimously adopted a position in opposition to this legislation. Aspen
continues to favor legislation that enhances opportunities for in-stream uses of water, as
opposed to measures that further restrict or inhibit these types of uses.
While we understand that the proposed legislation would not directly affect Aspen's current
water rights application for an off channel kayak course adjacent to the Roaring Fork River,
we continue to be concerned about any legislation-that would diminish future opportunities
for in-stream uses of water. Aspen continues to be an active participant in Northwest
Colorado Council of Governments' QQ program and supports the collective action of other
westerzl slope communities to improve recreational opportunities using RICD's.
Even as amended, SB OS-062 will deter RICD .filings in the future, and we believe the
recreation industry will be hurt. The amendment still limits flows to 350 cfs, regardless of the
characteristics of the river where an RICD will be located. This means that a local
government's investment in a kayak course could not be protected in any meaningful way on
a large river where flows regularly exceed 350 cfs during the boating season.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Phil OvereyFr~
Utility Director
City of Aspen
cc: Representative Kathleen Curry
Senator Joan Fitz-Gerald
Senator Jack Taylor
City of Aspen Clerk Kathryn Koch
City of Aspen Mayor Helen Klanderud,
Sharma Koenig (Northwest Colorado Council of Governments)
ISO SOUTH GALENA STP.EET ~ ASPEN, COLORADO BI6n-1975 ~ PHONE 970.92O.JIlO ~ F.4X 970.92O.SII7
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