House adopts amendment to omnibus water construction bill; debate centers on recreation, ownership and state liability

The Wyoming House on Thursday approved House Bill 117, an omnibus water construction measure that includes a large appropriation for a dam reconstruction project. During third‑reading debate members adopted an amendment to require planning‑stage evaluations of options such as hydropower, easement acquisition and potential recreational uses; a separate amendment to require state ownership of the reconstructed dam was defeated.

Representative Harshman moved an amendment that directed agencies during planning to study possibilities including hydroelectric generation, easement acquisition where needed, and whether permanent storage could be increased to support fisheries and recreation. Supporters said the study provision would not delay construction but would allow consideration of options while project funding and design proceed. Representative Harshman said the amendment returns a “softer” version of language discussed on second reading; proponents argued the planning review would maximize the public benefit from a substantial public investment.

Opponents focused on landowner concerns, the primary purpose of irrigation and the risk of adding conditions that could complicate or delay a time‑sensitive reconstruction. Representative Harrelson said much of the land at issue is privately owned and that the irrigation district’s primary function is irrigation; he warned against jeopardizing funding for irrigators.

The House also debated whether the state should assume ownership and long‑term liability if public funds are used. Representative Harshman’s separate amendment to make the state owner (and thus assume liability) prompted questions about the size and composition of funding — members noted a substantial share of federal dollars in the overall package — and whether a loan structure with favorable terms would be appropriate if the district retained ownership. That ownership amendment was not adopted.

On final passage the House recorded 58 ayes, 2 nays and 2 excused. Earlier in the debate the chamber adopted the planning amendment (division called). Members later voted down the ownership amendment. The bill passed the House on third reading and will proceed under normal legislative steps.