Silver Lake dam study granted one-year extension as NEPA and wilderness issues remain

The Wyoming Water Development Commission approved Amendment Three on June 15 to extend the contract for the Silver Lake Dam Rehabilitation level-two study to June 30, 2027, after the project manager and WWDO staff described regulatory and logistical delays tied to the dam’s location inside the Bridger-Teton National Forest wilderness area.

Cindy Hernandez of the Dam and Reservoir Division told commissioners the project requires a minimum-requirements analysis (MRA) and an environmental assessment (EA), plus wetlands re-verification with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, because the site is within the wilderness boundary and earlier geotechnical work identified repair alternatives. Mike Jackson, project manager for Rio Verde Engineering, said mobilization and construction-season constraints at 10,000 feet elevation and Forest Service review procedures have extended the schedule: “we’re going to work through the economic analysis early this summer” and aim to have permits and a final EA by late 2026 so construction could be feasible in 2028 under best-case timing.

Jackson explained that because of the wilderness setting the team is limiting the EA to a single preferred alternative (plus no-action or removal), and that forest-service staffing turnover and changing review formats have slowed MRA sign‑offs. The district has also pursued PL‑566 Natural Resources Conservation Service funds alongside WWDO appropriations; the agencies are coordinating to align watershed planning and NEPA compliance documents.

Commissioners approved the one-year time extension by voice vote. WWDO staff said the extension is intended to allow submittal of the draft EA, completion of outstanding field verification (wetlands) and finalization of the MRA so the sponsor and NRCS can pursue level-three design or additional PL‑566 construction funding.