Flaming Gorge Task Force Makes Recommendations

DENVER (AP) — A task force studying issues related to proposals to divert water from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming to Colorado says state leaders first need to agree on how Colorado's water needs can be met.

In a report to be presented to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Basin Roundtable Exploration Committee says questions that should be addressed include how Colorado can maximize its entitlements to Colorado River water without overdeveloping the river and who would finance a new water supply project.

It also lists characteristics of "good" water supply projects, which it says shouldn't reduce supplies to existing water users, for one.

The report, released Wednesday, says there is an immediate gap between the Front Range demand for water and the supply and mentions "risks of the status quo."