Wyoming water commission approves multiple Account 2 projects, tables Tiller Canal application

The Wyoming Water Development Commission’s Select Water Committee on Jan. 20 approved funding recommendations that include construction and preconstruction grants and loans for irrigation districts and municipalities across the state, while tabling one project that lacks matching funds.

Director Jason Mead told commissioners the slate of Account 2 recommendations reflected priorities tied to aging infrastructure and critical structures and warned many awards were contingent on a planned transfer from Account 1 to Account 2. “Some of these projects that we're going to be talking about today are going to be contingent upon the approval of that transfer,” Mead said.

Key approvals included a 50% grant / 50% loan recommendation for the Bighorn Canal Irrigation District to replace a five‑mile pipeline and wasteway (estimated $4,544,600), a grant/loan package for Cody Canal diversion rehabilitation to reduce sediment and install fish screening, and preconstruction grants for several transmission pipeline projects where easements and SRF matching funds are needed. The commission approved materials‑only grants for two Goshen Irrigation District lateral conversions and moved ahead with a substantial rehabilitation for the Upper Sunshine outlet works, which staff rated among the state’s most critical structures.

Sponsors described local consequences of inaction. “It's a…