Legislative declaration - specific project authorizations

(1) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the general assembly to protect and foster the full utilization of Colorado's limited surface water resources by allocation thereof through the operation of the appropriation system as provided by sections 5 and 6 of article XVI of the state constitution. Any judicial interpretation or other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the water rights appropriation and adjudication system of the state of Colorado shall continue to be utilized to establish priority of right to the use of the natural streams within the state which include groundwater tributary thereto. (2) It is the recognition and intent of the general assembly that investment in the state's water resources for future generations must be made from state funds, from private capital, or from other moneys available to the authority. Major Colorado water projects should be developed as soon as possible in anticipation of demand and revenues. (3) Several compacts relating to interstate streams have been entered into by the state on behalf of the people of the state of Colorado to reserve for the people the right to the use of such waters under the appropriation doctrine. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the general assembly to fully utilize, for the maximum benefit of all the people, said natural stream resources. To achieve such utilization, the general assembly hereby directs the authority to proceed with project development and financing in accordance with agreements between the project sponsor and the authority, and consistent with the provisions of this article, such projects as the Colorado water conservation board identifies in statewide water supply initiatives and associated feasibility studies and other projects identified by the authority. (4) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2003, p. 2412, § 6, effective June 5, 2003.) (5) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the financing of any small water resources project.