The Wyoming Water Development Commission approved a time extension for the TriHydro design contract on the Alkali Creek Reservoir project and authorized staff to seek a planning‑phase (level‑2 phase‑3) supplement of about $1,575,000 to finish detailed design of mitigation measures raised by landowner negotiations.

Director Mead outlined an integrated watershed approach adopted after meetings with landowners in Hyattville. That approach expands preconstruction design work to include ditch‑to‑pipe conversions, potential center‑pivot irrigation changes, livestock water improvements on adjacent BLM allotments and other easement‑based mitigation items that the original design did not fully address. TriHydro is the project design consultant and the office proposes both a contract time extension (TriHydro expiration extended to Dec. 31, 2026 in the immediate action) and a March request to the legislature for additional design funding to allow TriHydro to finalize designs for each mitigation element.

Commissioners debated the request at length. Several members expressed concern about repeated schedule extensions and rising cost estimates. Commissioner Anselmi Dalton said she would likely oppose the future $1.5 million supplemental request but supported the short time extension to avoid losing consultant continuity. Director Mead said the supplemental funds would cover necessary additional design and permitting and enable staff to coordinate potential federal funding packages for mitigation elements. The commission approved the immediate TriHydro time extension (through Dec. 31, 2026) to maintain project momentum and avoid lapse of design contracts.

Separately, the commission also approved, in the planning bill package, a request to extend the $59 million level‑3 construction authorization through July 1, 2027 (previously set to expire July 1, 2026) so that if landowner agreements and supplemental funding requests are successful the project will not have reverted its construction set‑aside. Director Mead said the office would return in March with the specific supplemental design request and proposed budget for the TriHydro contract, and that any construction request would require sponsor commitments and legislative appropriation.

Commissioners noted the project’s sensitivity: it is built on a complex watershed with an old landslide foundation and multiple private landowner interests. Staff and sponsors were instructed to finalize easements and mitigation option agreements before asking the commission to approve construction funding.