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Senate Concurrence Adds Deadline and Curbs Use of State Funds for Eminent Domain in Omnibus Water Bill
Summary
The Wyoming Senate concurred on Senate File 70, an omnibus water construction bill that extends certain appropriations to July 1, 2027, and bars using those funds for eminent domain beginning Jan. 1, 2027; the measure passed after debate over the provision's effects on agencies and project timelines.
The Wyoming Senate on March 4 voted to concur on Senate File 70, an omnibus water construction bill that includes a one-year extension for certain appropriations and a new restriction on using those funds for eminent domain.
Senator Chris Boner, the bill’s bringer in the Senate, described two principal changes returned from the House: a technical cash-flow transfer adjustment and language addressing Alkali Creek projects. "We're retaining the July 1, 2027, deadline," Boner said, and the legislation "states that beginning Jan. 1, 2027, you cannot use funds from the appropriations in this bill for eminent domain for that creek project." He characterized the package as a compromise intended to give the project time while setting a firm legislative deadline.
Opponents raised procedural and policy concerns. Senator Driscoll said the chamber had already rejected the language previously and announced he would oppose concurrence. Senator Larson asked how the eminent-domain restriction would affect agencies that might need condemnation authority for project delivery; Larson said he understood the sponsors’ intent but wanted clarity about agency operations. Senator Hyde sought confirmation about the Jan. 1, 2027 effective date for the eminent-domain limit.
Senators also discussed the fiscal mechanics underpinning a transfer between accounts to address short-term cash-flow needs; sponsors said the change followed analysis from legislative fiscal staff. The bill retains a July 1, 2027 expenditure deadline and includes legislative language expressing that the 2027 date should be the last extension.
The chief clerk recorded the concurrence vote as 21 yes, 10 no. By the clerk’s announcement, "By your vote, you have concurred on Senate File 70." The Senate then recessed for committee meetings.
What happens next: the Senate’s concurrence on the House amendment completes this chamber’s action on the message; further steps in the legislative process (if any) were not recorded in the morning session.
