Select Water Committee passes water development funding bill (HB87)
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Summary
The Select Water Committee unanimously approved House Bill 87 to appropriate water-development account funds for municipal master plans, studies and rehabilitation projects totaling several hundred thousand to multi-million dollars; the measure moves to the floor.
The Select Water Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 87, a water-development appropriations bill that directs existing Water Development account funds (mineral severance taxes) to studies and projects administered by the Water Development Commission and the Office of Water Programs.
Presenter (identified in committee) summarized line items: master plans and University of Wyoming water research projects totaling $2,186,997 for account 1, one level‑2 study at $327,000, rehabilitation account level‑1 study at $470,000, two rehabilitation level‑2 studies totaling $528,000, and additional funds and an amendment for the Norwood River Storage Project.
Committee members asked practical questions about timing and project feasibility amid low snowpack. The presenter said storage and reservoir work is most feasible in the fall and that drought conditions reduce the feasibility of dredging; enlargements may be a more practical approach to recoup lost storage.
The committee moved the bill and adopted it by roll call, recorded as seven ayes. The bill will proceed to the floor for further action.
Representative Harrelson noted the state's low snowpack and urged attention to timing and project selection; the presenter said that most irrigation-structure work is done outside irrigation season and that fall is the logical time to complete many projects.