Legislative declaration

(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that sufficient funds be provided to cover the direct costs of a base staff and their operating expenses to ensure functional continuity of the Colorado geological survey as provided by statute and as determined pursuant to any memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to section 23-41-201. The survey shall make appropriate charges for preparation and reproduction of reports, maps, and publications; except that the survey shall not directly compete with consultants by entering into contracts with the general public and industries for providing geological and related services. (2) It is the intent of the general assembly that the Colorado geological survey place primary emphasis on the statutory objectives of recognition and mitigation of geologic risks affecting public health and safety and promotion of economic development of the mineral resources, including, but not limited to, metals, oil, gas, coalbed methane, and aggregate, of Colorado. Such work shall require appropriate consideration to public safety and environmental concerns. Economic development projects proposed or undertaken shall involve basic and applied geologic research and mapping similar to that undertaken by geological surveys in other states and be designed to encourage resource exploration and development by industry. The Colorado geological survey shall not undertake economic development projects that directly compete with the private sector, but shall produce basic data, research reports, and maps useful to consultants and industry. Economic development projects undertaken may be funded by private foundations and federal agencies, industrial consortia or agencies of other states, or by the general fund.