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April 10, 2023 SB 23-262
Legislative Council Staff
Nonpartisan Services for Colorado’s Legislature
Fiscal Note
Drafting Number:
Prime Sponsors:
LLS 23-0199
Sen. Priola
Rep. Ricks; Soper
Date:
Bill Status:
Fiscal Analyst:
April 10, 2023
Senate Agriculture
Alexa Kelly | 303-866-3469
alexa.kelly@coleg.gov
Bill Topic: WATER DESALINATION STUDY AND REPORT
Summary of
Fiscal Impact:
☐ State Revenue
☒ State Expenditure
☐ State Transfer
☐ TABOR Refund
☐ Local Government
☐ Statutory Public Entity
The bill requires the Colorado Water Conservation board to conduct a literature review
of existing research on desalination. It increases state expenditures in FY 2023-24
only.
Appropriation
Summary:
For FY 2023-24, the bill requires an appropriation of $50,000 to the Department of
Natural Resources.
Fiscal Note
Status:
The fiscal note reflects the introduced bill.
Table 1
State Fiscal Impacts Under SB 23-262
Budget Year
FY 2023-24
Out Year
FY 2024-25
Revenue - -
Expenditures Cash Funds $50,000 -
Transfers - -
Other Budget Impacts - -
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April 10, 2023 SB 23-262
Summary of Legislation
The bill requires that the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) conduct a comprehensive literature review of existing research on the challenges
and opportunities of desalination facilities in California or Mexico. The review must include
information on the status of current research and identify gaps in particular topic areas as they relate
to desalination, including information on desalination facility operating and start-up costs, the
amount of seawater that could be desalinated and put to beneficial use in California and Mexico, the
role of renewable energy, and the environmental effects.
By July 1, 2025, CWCB must provide a report on the board’s findings to the House Agriculture, Water,
and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the
Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, the Governor, and the federal Bureau of
Reclamation.
State Expenditures
The bill increases state expenditures in the Department of Natural Resources by $50,000 in FY 2023-24
only, paid from the CWCB Construction Cash Fund. CWCB will hire a contractor to develop a work
plan, complete the literature review, summarize findings, and compile the final report. The review is
expected to take approximately 250 to 300 contractor hours, for a total cost of $50,000.
Effective Date
The bill takes effect 90 days following adjournment of the General Assembly sine die, assuming no
referendum petition is filed.
State Appropriations
For FY 2023-24, the bill requires an appropriation of $50,000 to the Department of Natural Resources
from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Cash Fund.
State and Local Government Contacts
Natural Resources
The revenue and expenditure impacts in this fiscal note represent changes from current law under the bill for each
fiscal year. For additional information about fiscal notes, please visit: leg.colorado.gov/fiscalnotes.