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Garfield County seeks expedited permits for Pangwich Lake Dam as state steps in
Summary
County commissioners said they are moving to expedite permitting for Pangwich Lake and Hatchtown dams with help from the governor and state Division of Natural Resources; the Army Corps of Engineers currently asserts jurisdiction but the state water engineer hopes to transfer it within about 30 days once filings are complete.
Commissioners reported active efforts to speed permitting for the Pangwich Lake Dam and the Hatchtown Dam, saying state officials have stepped in to help move applications forward.
"The governor was extremely good," Speaker 6 said, describing a recent meeting in which the state Division of Natural Resources (DNR) director and the governor discussed directing state agencies to help file and expedite applications. Speaker 6 said funding for the projects is already in place and estimated that, once filings are completed with the state water engineer, jurisdictional shifts away from the Army Corps of Engineers could take about 30 days.
The discussion noted a current complication: the Army Corps of Engineers has asserted jurisdiction over the site. Speaker 6 said the state water engineer, Teresa Wilhenson, believes she can remove Corps jurisdiction and place the work under state authority, which would simplify permitting. No formal timelines beyond the ‘‘about 30 days’’ estimate were provided.
Commissioners also mentioned coordination with local ranchers and use of state trust lands for other water development projects, and urged ranchers interested in projects to contact county staff. The county did not record a formal action approving new permitting steps during the meeting; commissioners framed the update as progress reports and staff direction.
Next steps: county staff and state DNR to complete the filings needed to request the jurisdictional transfer and continue outreach to affected landowners and project partners.
