Bill Brewer

This document outlines the operating criteria for the Wyoming Water Development Program. Its purpose is to establish procedures and policies for the planning, selection, financing, construction, acquisition, and operation of projects for water conservation, storage, distribution, and use. Key aspects include funding mechanisms and application processes for new development, rehabilitation, dam and reservoir, and small water projects, along with water resource planning. The program aims to foster optimal development of the state's water resources, support economic growth, protect water entitlements, and ensure the efficient use of water for beneficial purposes.

The agenda for the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) meeting included several key items. Discussions were scheduled for the Small Water Project Program funding applications, covering 76 projects across Account I and Account II. A legislative update was planned, addressing HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, and SF0069. The agenda also included the review of new Level I and II project applications, Planning Project Closeout Memos for several master plans and studies (e.g., Chugwater Water Master Plan, Pavillion Groundwater Supply), and Planning Project Amendments. Further items involved approving 2026 contracts for Level I and II Planning Projects, reviewing University of Wyoming Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), authorizing 2026 Construction Project Agreements for New Development (Account I) and Rehabilitation (Account II), and reviewing Construction Project Amendments and Closeout Memos. The meeting also scheduled the election of officers and discussed future meeting schedules.

This joint meeting included discussions and actions across multiple funding accounts and project stages. Key activities involved the approval of Planning Closeout Memos for several Level I and Level II studies, including the Alpine Water Master Plan and the Big Horn Canal Irrigation District Master Plan. Planning Contracts were approved, notably for the Upper Green River Basin Instream Flows (2025) study, and a Memorandum of Agreement concerning the S-LSRWCD and the West Fork Reservoir Project was approved with an amended end date. Several Planning Project Amendments were reviewed and approved, mostly involving extensions and budget increases for projects like the Little Snake Supplemental Storage and the Middle Piney Reservoir. The committees addressed 2026 Funding Recommendations for the New Development Program, approving funding for projects such as Alpine Well #4 and the Gillette Red Hills Tank, while making a 'Do Not Fund' recommendation for the Little Snake River Battle Lake Purchase and tabling action on the Tillard Canal Rehabilitation project. Amendments to existing Level III projects, including time extensions for Alkali Creek Reservoir and Broken Wheel Ranch Water Supply, were also handled. Furthermore, funding recommendations for the Rehabilitation Program were considered, including approval for the Big Horn Canal Five Mile Pipeline and a 'Do Not Fund' determination for the Byron Raw Water Supply project. A significant action was the approval of a $16 million transfer from Water Development Account I to Account II. Finally, the Commission addressed Sponsor Contingency Account Requests, approving funds for unexpected subsurface conditions encountered during the Interstate Irrigation & Reservoir District Improvements 2021 construction.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various planning projects, consultant selections, and contract amendments. Key topics included the approval of consultant selections for multiple water master plan projects across different locations, such as Grover, Kemmerer-Diamondville, Laramie, Medicine Bow, Pine Bluffs, Superior, Worland, and Yoder. Additionally, the commission addressed planning closeout memos for projects like the Bairoil Water Master Plan and contract amendments for studies including the Clear Creek Storage Study and the Green River/Little Snake River Basins Conveyance Loss study. The commission also discussed limited funding and increasing project requests, anticipating further discussions at the November meeting.

The workshop addressed financial status updates for Water Development Accounts I, II, and III, along with Reservoir Operations and Maintenance Accounts. Updates were provided on the Level II Well-Drilling process, shifting towards incorporating more financial analysis and sponsor needs assessment. The Leavitt Reservoir Expansion Project was also discussed. Additionally, the Sponsor's Contingency Account Request for the Happy Valley Water Transmission and Storage 2023 Project was presented, focusing on funding shortfalls and a recommendation for a grant. A discussion ensued regarding the Goshen Irrigation District Tunnel Rehabilitation project, clarifying the use of appropriated state grant funds for Tunnel 2 rehabilitation. Commissioners also briefly discussed an upcoming tarona mine tour.