March 2024 Executive Director’s Blog
Hello CSSGA Membership! As we move forward with the winter season, this time of year remains very busy at the Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Among other things, this is mostly due to the active Legislative session underway. Here are a few highlights:
- Recent and upcoming activities.
- Industry Education Day at the Capitol. Understanding legislators are very busy this time of year, we believe they still need to learn about the importance of construction aggregate mining and the benefits of having local sources. Therefore, on Feb 1st, CSSGA conducted a Mining Education Day in one of the committee rooms at the Colorado State Capitol. Lead by our Governmental Affairs Chairman Chris Oestreich (Burnco Colorado), we held the short training session every hour throughout the day. Several elected officials and/or staff was able to attend and engage with conversations about our industry.
- We also meet weekly to discuss bills and proposed legislation weekly with our lobbyist, Totsy Rees. Here members can weigh in on helping us decide on direction and strategies to help our success.
- We continue to hold our monthly Legislative Luncheons downtown Denver on a monthly basis during the session. This keeps all interested members involved in the process and allows them to have input.
- Additionally, we will hold a Governmental Affairs focused Networking Event at the Grant-Humphreys Mansion in Denver on March 27. Resister for this event and interact with elected officials that are making laws at the Capitol. This will be a very important event for our industry.
- Key Legislation. One of the key bills we are supporting involves the permitting and program oversight aspect of the Dredge & Fill activities for the state of Colorado. We are supporting SB-127, which was recently introduced by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer. The State of Colorado will be expanding the Waters of the State, as the Waters of the US (WOTUS) has changed on a National level. Therefore, we believe this bill provides the correct guidelines for such a bill and puts the location of this program with the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). With a long session to go, and an additional bill regarding WOTUS being brought forward from the House, we look forward to working with both groups in order to have the best water program possible for the State of Colorado.
- Lastly, we are building toward our Summer Conference and Outing planned for July 18 and 19 at the Hotal Colorado in Glenwood Springs. This is a great time to cover importance business issues and hold a lively Networking Event for members, and those interested in membership throughout the state.
Please reach out to me or Emma by calling 303-290-0303 or cssga.org. Thank you.
Todd R. Ohlheiser, CAE
Executive Director
CSSGA
todd@coloradocaa.org