Committee advances Water Development spending bill after overview of projects and account balances

The Agriculture, State & Public Lands & Water Resources Committee voted to move Senate File 82 after a presentation from Senator Steinmetz and Jason Mead, director of the Water Development Office.

The bill provides project funding across multiple Water Development accounts. Senator Steinmetz told the committee the measure includes $534,998 from one account for the Hewlett Water Master Plan and the University of Wyoming Water Research Program, about $980,000 for level‑one rehabilitation projects, and $551,000 from a second account for dams and reservoirs. "So $534,998 out of account 1 for the Hewlett Water Master Plan and the UW Water Research Program," Steinmetz said during his overview.

Mead, who the senator invited to answer technical questions, described one highlighted project — the Bridal/Popo Agie River storage study — as a grassroots effort led by local conservation districts, irrigators, Game and Fish, Forest Service and the City of Lander to address low flows and future municipal needs. "...they have low flows, during irrigation season, which cause water quality issues," Mead said, describing the study's purpose.

Public comment and vote

Chris Mickey of the Wyoming Business Alliance testified in support of the bill, telling the committee the group supports well‑vetted projects and urged the committee to move the measure. Following a brief public comment period, a committee member moved the bill; the roll call returned nine ayes and zero no votes. The committee record shows 9 ayes and the chair announced the bill would pass the committee.

Why it matters: the bill funds a set of smaller projects that had been vetted by the Water Development Commission and the Select Water Committee. The presenters said the bill is smaller than in some previous years in part because the Board of Control budget has been removed from Water 1, which reduced available balances.

Technical and funding details

Mead said the Bridal/Popo Agie River storage study is sponsored by local watershed improvement districts and includes multiple stakeholders participating in the Healthy Rivers Initiative. He explained the study will look across a range of options rather than focusing on a single reservoir site.

Committee action

Motion: committee member moved to advance Senate File 82; second recorded and roll call showed nine ayes and no noes. The committee moved the bill forward.

Next steps: with the committee's approval, the bill will proceed through the legislative process. The committee record contains project lists and notebook materials referenced by the presenters for members seeking greater detail.