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Stakeholders urge varied priorities as Water Policy Interim Committee outlines 2025–26 work plan
Summary
At the WPIC July 30 meeting, a broad set of stakeholders — including well drillers, builders, conservation groups and municipal representatives — gave public comment on the committee's proposed interim priorities, urging attention to local impacts, infrastructure, and water rights enforcement.
The Water Policy Interim Committee heard a wide set of public comments July 30 as it discussed its 2025–26 interim priorities. Stakeholders spanned industry, conservation and local government groups and emphasized differing priorities for the committee's work plan.
Ronda Wiggers of the Montana Well Drillers Association and representatives of the Montana Building Industry Association highlighted infrastructure and permitting issues that affect well drilling and new development. Conservation and angling interests, including Clayton Elliott of Montana Trout Unlimited, stressed the need for protections tied to water rights and streamflows. Local government and municipal concerns were raised by Kelly Lynch of the Montana League of Cities and Towns, who spoke during public comment about how nutrient standards and other regulatory changes could affect city operations.
Committee members pressed agency staff for clarifications on program responsibilities and how items on the work plan would be scoped. Toni Henneman, lead staff, presented exhibits and described the proposed priorities; members including Sen. Bruce Gillespie, Vice Presiding Officer Jill Cohenour and Sen. Bob Phalen asked questions aimed at balancing local government impacts, agricultural needs and environmental protections.
Members accepted the work plan matrix later in the day, after hearing public comment; staff were instructed to publish the final work plan and meeting calendar.
