How do the BIPs integrate with the Water Plan?

    Basin goals, background, concerns and projects all feed directly into the Colorado Water Plan.

    How does the basin project tiering integrate with the WIG?

    The efforts and process are the same. As basins tier projects based on how ready they are to launch and whether they have good data, they are inherently meeting the intent of the Governor's Wildly Important Goal (WIG). The WIG does set a stretch goal that aims to get to 500 projects total across Tiers 1 and 2. 

    Do tiered projects have to be infrastructure projects?

    Absolutely not. While water infrastructure projects are critical to the state, there are many important projects that may not involve any concrete or shovels. High quality environmental projects, planning efforts, and education and outreach are key examples of these types of projects.

    Why do you put projects into tiers?

    All water projects have inherent value whether it's a fully developed project with a detailed budget and plan or something more conceptual. But, tiering helps us differentiate these. Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects have the best data (cost, location, project proponent, yield) and can launch within a few years or less.  Tier 3 and Tier 4 projects may not have as many details finalized, may have an extended timeline for implementation,  or may be more conceptual in nature.