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Select Water Committee approves interim topics including prescriptive-easement remedies and aging irrigation infrastructure; schedules May meeting and August in
Summary
The committee approved multiple interim study topics — legal remedies for misuse of prescriptive easements and continued work on aging critical irrigation infrastructure — and discussed meeting schedules including a May joint session and an August field tour in the Rock Springs/Green River area.
The Select Water Committee approved several interim study topics and confirmed plans for upcoming meetings and a summer field tour.
Committee members approved an interim topic to explore legal remedies for defaults or improper use of prescriptive easements for irrigation conveyance systems. Representative Lawley spoke in favor, saying the topic would provide needed pathways for some district-level disputes: “I would just speak in favor of this interim topic. I do think... I know of some situations in my district where there's kind of been some... issues and, people found there was not really a clear pathway for to get those resolved.” The motion to add the topic to the interim agenda passed on voice vote and will be considered by Management Council.
Another interim topic approved asked staff to continue work on aging critical irrigation infrastructure, building on a previously completed level 1 assessment. Senator Bonar (sponsor of the suggestion) said the earlier study provided a quick assessment of system condition for several districts and that further action was prudent to address failing infrastructure before crisis. The committee moved and seconded the item and approved it by voice vote.
Committee staff also reviewed the committee’s upcoming schedule. Jason Meade, director of the Water Development Office, confirmed a May joint meeting with the Water Development Commission in Cheyenne; he also asked whether members could attend an optional in-depth orientation targeted to new members on May 6. The panel discussed an August tour in the Rock Springs/Green River area focused on trona mine water uses and logistics including early departures and grouped mine tours; Barry Lawrence said the tour would include multiple mine visits and require sign-ups.
The motions to approve the interim study topics will be forwarded to Management Council for placement on the interim work program. Staff will provide more detailed briefings to the committee on these topics at the May meeting or in a dedicated orientation session.
