The State of Colorado is currently reviewing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Draft Report, “Review of the Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead,” recently released on October 23.
Colorado officials, including Upper Colorado River Commissioner Rebecca Mitchell, are currently reviewing the report in detail to ensure the state’s interests and priorities are reflected. While the Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for developing this report, input from the Colorado River Basin States, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations is critical.
Public comments on the report are due on November 13, and can be submitted via online comment form, email, or by mail.
“As Colorado’s Commissioner to the Colorado River, it is my goal to ensure Colorado’s priorities are incorporated in the Bureau of Reclamation’s effectiveness review so that our state is set up for success as we begin to renegotiate the 2007 Interim Guidelines for Coordinated Operations. This includes providing additional security in the Colorado River System and protecting our water users for years to come,” stated Commissioner Mitchell.
For regular updates on the process of the Colorado River Interim Guidelines renegotiations, continue to visit the Colorado Water Conservation Board website.