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25LSO-0452
ORIGINAL House
ENGROSSED
Bill No
.
HB0117
ENROLLED ACT NO. 56,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SIXTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2025 General Session
AN ACT relating to water development projects; authorizing construction of designated water projects; describing projects; specifying terms and conditions of funding for projects; providing grants; providing loans; providing appropriations; amending the sponsor's contingency fund; amending amounts and terms of appropriations for specified prior projects; transferring funds from water development account I to water development account II; transferring projects; repealing a project; authorizing one full‑time position; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:
Section 1.
W.S. 99
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3
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3001 through 99
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3
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3004 are created to read:
ARTICLE 30
2025 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
99
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3
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3001.
Definitions.
The definitions in W.S. 99
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3
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101 apply to this article. Source Notes: (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
99
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3
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3002.
General authorization.
The provisions of W.S. 99
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3
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102 apply to this article. Source Notes: (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
99
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3
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3003.
Level III construction projects – new development.
(a)
Authorization is granted for the Level III new development construction projects identified in this section subject to the general conditions specified in W.S. 99
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3
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103, provided that W.S. 99
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3
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103(a)(iii) shall not apply to the projects identified in this section unless required by W.S. 41
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2
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121. Source Notes for subsection (a): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(b)
Project – Big Horn Regional JPB South Transmission Project 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board;
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal and rural domestic water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and pre
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construction of water transmission pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($810,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement and pre
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construction engineering of the project an amount not to exceed four hundred five thousand dollars ($405,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriations: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission four hundred five thousand dollars ($405,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (b): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(c)
Project – Cloud Seeding: Wind River and Sierra Madre mountain ranges 2026 (ground
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based):
(i)
Project sponsor: The state of Wyoming;
(ii)
Project purpose: To enhance the winter snowpack in the Wind River and Sierra Madre mountain ranges;
(iii)
Project description: Conduct a ground
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based operational winter snowpack augmentation program during the 2025
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2026 season;
(iv)
Total project budget: Eight hundred sixty
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two thousand one hundred forty
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three dollars ($862,143.00);
(v)
Special conditions: Prior to commencing project operations, the Wyoming water development office shall acquire funding commitments from other Colorado River basin water users or other interested parties for a minimum of one hundred percent (100%) of actual project operations costs. Source Notes for subsection (c): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(d)
Project – Hoback Junction Public Water System 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Hoback Junction Water and Sewer District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Rural domestic water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and pre
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construction of a diversion structure, pumping facilities, water transmission pipelines, tank, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Five hundred forty
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eight thousand nine hundred dollars ($548,900.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement and pre
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construction engineering of the project an amount not to exceed two hundred seventy
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four thousand four hundred fifty dollars ($274,450.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriations: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission two hundred seventy
‑
four thousand four hundred fifty dollars ($274,450.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (d): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(e)
Project – SAWS JPB Upper Road Transmission Main Phase I 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board;
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal and rural domestic water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of water transmission pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Four million four hundred thirteen thousand five hundred dollars ($4,413,500.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed two million two hundred six thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($2,206,750.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission two million two hundred six thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($2,206,750.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (e): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(f)
Project
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Small Water Development Projects – New Development 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Eligible public entities;
(ii)
Project purpose: Multi
‑
purpose
‑
agriculture, recreation and environmental;
(iii)
Project description: Small dams, windmills, springs, guzzlers and other water collection, storage and drinking systems, pipelines, etc., to impound, develop and convey water for livestock, wildlife, irrigation, environmental and recreational purposes;
(iv)
Total project budget: Three million dollars ($3,000,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to sponsors of small water development projects from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project a total amount not to exceed one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of the actual development costs of the small water development projects, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Definition: "Small water development project" means a project where the maximum financial contribution from the commission is thirty
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five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) or less;
(viii)
Special conditions:
(A)
The commission may grant a sponsor fifty percent (50%) of the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction cost of a small project. No grant shall be more than thirty
‑
five thousand dollars ($35,000.00);
(B)
The small water development project sponsors shall substantiate the public benefit that will be derived from proposed small water development projects;
(C)
The commission may make monthly progress payments for no more than fifty percent (50%) of eligible monthly project expenses;
(D)
An appropriate land management or resource management entity shall certify that the proposed small water development project will meet expectations and that appropriate engineering standards, as approved by the commission, will be adhered to;
(E)
The establishment of criteria and administrative procedures for the development of small water development projects under this subsection and decisions of the commission relating to the recommendations, prioritization or disqualification of small water development projects are specifically exempt from the provisions of the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act including judicial review under W.S. 16
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3
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114 and 16
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3
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115;
(F)
W.S. 16
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6
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116 shall not apply to a small water development project unless the project sponsor determines the small water development project meets the definition of a "public work" as defined in W.S. 16
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6
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101(a)(ix). Source Notes for subsection (f): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
99
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3
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3004.
Level III construction projects – rehabilitation.
(a)
Authorization is granted for the Level III rehabilitation construction projects identified in this section subject to the general conditions specified in W.S. 99
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3
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104, provided that W.S. 99
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3
‑
104(a)(iii) shall not apply to the projects identified in this section unless required by W.S. 41
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2
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121. Source Notes for subsection (a): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(b)
Project – CAID Lateral 256 Check Structure Rehabilitation 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Casper Alcova Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of a check structure and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Seven hundred forty
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five thousand dollars ($745,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed three hundred seventy
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two thousand five hundred dollars ($372,500.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission three hundred seventy
‑
two thousand five hundred dollars ($372,500.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (b): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(c)
Project – Casper Tank Replacement 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: City of Casper;
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of water transmission pipelines, tanks, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Eleven million three hundred forty
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four thousand dollars ($11,344,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed five million six hundred seventy
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two thousand dollars ($5,672,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission five million six hundred seventy
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two thousand dollars ($5,672,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (c): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(d)
Project – Cottonwood Irrigation District Pipeline Replacement 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Cottonwood Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million one hundred two thousand dollars ($1,102,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed five hundred fifty
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one thousand dollars ($551,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement and project land procurement of the project an amount not to exceed forty
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seven thousand dollars ($47,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less, for a term of twenty (20) years from the date the commission determines that project benefits accrue to the sponsor, at an annual interest rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission five hundred ninety
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eight thousand dollars ($598,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(viii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring forty
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five and seventy
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four hundredths percent (45.74%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (d): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(e)
Project – EVIDD Farson Lateral Phase 4A 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Eden Valley Irrigation and Drainage District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Construction of pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Four million four hundred fifty thousand dollars ($4,450,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the permit procurement, project land procurement and construction of the project an amount not to exceed one million one hundred twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($1,112,500.00) or twenty
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five percent (25%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission one million one hundred twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($1,112,500.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring seventy
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five percent (75%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (e): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(f)
Project – GID 62.2 Check Structure Project 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Goshen Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of a check structure and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million three hundred twenty
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two thousand dollars ($1,322,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed six hundred sixty
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one thousand dollars ($661,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed six hundred sixty
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one thousand dollars ($661,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less, for a term of twenty (20) years from the date the commission determines that project benefits accrue to the sponsor, at an annual interest rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission one million three hundred twenty
‑
two thousand dollars ($1,322,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030. Source Notes for subsection (f): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(g)
Project – Kirby Creek Spillway Replacement 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Kirby Ditch Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of a spillway and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Five hundred fifty
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four thousand dollars ($554,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed two hundred seventy
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seven thousand dollars ($277,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed two hundred seventy
‑
seven thousand dollars ($277,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less, for a term of thirty (30) years from the date the commission determines that project benefits accrue to the sponsor, at an annual interest rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission five hundred fifty
‑
four thousand dollars ($554,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030. Source Notes for subsection (g): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(h)
Project – Meeteetse Trails Estates 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Town of Meeteetse;
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of water storage tank and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million one hundred eighty
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one thousand dollars ($1,181,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed three hundred twenty
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four thousand five hundred eighty
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one dollars ($324,581.00) or twenty
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seven and five
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tenths percent (27.5%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission three hundred twenty
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four thousand five hundred eighty
‑
one dollars ($324,581.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring seventy
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two and five‑tenths percent (72.5%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (h): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(j)
Project – Rawlins Sage Creek Pipeline 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: City of Rawlins;
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of blowoffs, air and vacuum stations, inline valves and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Five million six hundred seventy thousand dollars ($5,670,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed two million eight hundred thirty
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five thousand dollars ($2,835,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission two million eight hundred thirty
‑
five thousand dollars ($2,835,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (j): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(k)
Project – Sidon ID Canal Crossing 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Sidon Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of culverts, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Eight hundred ninety
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five thousand one hundred ten dollars ($895,110.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the purchase of project materials as supported by vendor invoices and as approved by the commission an amount not to exceed four hundred thirty
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two thousand dollars ($432,000.00) or one hundred percent (100%) of the approved materials costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission four hundred thirty
‑
two thousand dollars ($432,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions:
(A)
The sponsor is responsible for all project costs with the exception of the purchase of project materials as supported by vendor invoices and as approved by the commission, up to the amount appropriated in this subsection;
(B)
The sponsor is responsible for retaining professional engineering services to design the project, compile materials and bidding documents and monitor construction activities including the installation of project components and the tracking of project expenditures. Source Notes for subsection (k): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(m)
Project
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Small Water Development Projects – Rehabilitation 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Eligible public entities;
(ii)
Project purpose: Multi
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purpose
‑
agriculture, recreation and environmental;
(iii)
Project description: Rehabilitation and replacement of small dams, windmills, springs, guzzlers and other water collection, storage and drinking systems, pipelines, etc., to impound, develop and convey water for livestock, wildlife, irrigation, environmental and recreational purposes;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million dollars ($1,000,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to sponsors of small water development projects from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of small water development projects a total amount not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of the actual development costs of the small water development projects, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Definition: "Small water development project" means a project where the maximum financial contribution from the commission is thirty
‑
five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) or less;
(viii)
Special conditions:
(A)
The commission may grant a sponsor fifty percent (50%) of the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction cost of a small water development project. No grant shall be more than thirty
‑
five thousand dollars ($35,000.00);
(B)
The small water development project sponsors shall substantiate the public benefit that will be derived from proposed small water development projects;
(C)
The commission may make monthly progress payments for not more than fifty percent (50%) of eligible monthly project expenses;
(D)
An appropriate land management or resource management entity shall certify that the proposed small water development project will meet expectations and that appropriate engineering standards, as approved by the commission, will be adhered to;
(E)
The establishment of criteria and administrative procedures for the development of small water development projects under this subsection and decisions of the commission relating to the recommendations, prioritization or disqualification of small water development projects are specifically exempt from the provisions of the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act including judicial review under W.S. 16
‑
3
‑
114 and 16
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3
‑
115;
(F)
W.S. 16
‑
6
‑
116 shall not apply to a small water development project unless the project sponsor determines the small water development project meets the definition of a "public work" as defined in W.S. 16
‑
6
‑
101(a)(ix). Source Notes for subsection (m): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(n)
Project – Upper Bluff Pump Plant No. 1 Pipeline 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Upper Bluff Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: Seven hundred thirteen thousand five hundred dollars ($713,500.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed three hundred fifty
‑
six thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($356,750.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission three hundred fifty
‑
six thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($356,750.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring fifty percent (50%) of the total project budget from other sources. Source Notes for subsection (n): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(o)
Project – West Afton ID Phase I Project 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: West Afton Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million three hundred seventeen thousand dollars ($1,317,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed six hundred fifty
‑
eight thousand five hundred dollars ($658,500.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed six hundred fifty
‑
eight thousand five hundred dollars ($658,500.00) or fifty percent (50%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less, for a term of twenty (20) years from the date the commission determines that project benefits accrue to the sponsor, at an annual interest rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission one million three hundred seventeen thousand dollars ($1,317,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030;
(viii)
Special conditions:
The appropriation of funds for this project is contingent upon the transfer of funds to water development account II as described in section 4 of this act or transfer from another funding source. Source Notes for subsection (o): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
(p)
Project – Willwood ID Willwood Chute 2025:
(i)
Project sponsor: Willwood Irrigation District;
(ii)
Project purpose: Agricultural water supply;
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of a chute, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget: One million six hundred ninety
‑
eight thousand dollars ($1,698,000.00);
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed seven hundred ninety
‑
eight thousand dollars ($798,000.00) or forty
‑
seven percent (47%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000.00) or fifty
‑
three percent (53%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less, for a term of twenty (20) years from the date the commission determines that project benefits accrue to the sponsor, at an annual interest rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission one million six hundred ninety
‑
eight thousand dollars ($1,698,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1, 2030. Source Notes for subsection (p): (Laws 2025, Ch. 111, § 1.)
Section 2.
W.S. 99
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3
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303(b)(ii), (iii) and (iv) by creating a new subdivision (F), 99
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3
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1106(b)(iv), (vi), (vii) and (viii)(B), 99
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3
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1503(g)(vi), 99
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3
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2003(b)(vi), 99
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3
‑
2203(b)(iv) through (vi), (vii)(B) and (e)(vi), 99
‑
3
‑
2205(c)(v) and (d)(vii), 99
‑
3
‑
2303(b)(vi), 99
‑
3
‑
2404(e)(iv) through (vii), 99
‑
3
‑
2406(h)(iii) through (vi) and (vii)(A), 99
‑
3
‑
2503(f)(vi), 99
‑
3
‑
2504(g)(vii) and (j)(vii), 99
‑
3
‑
2603(d)(iv) through (vi), 99
‑
3
‑
2803(f)(iii) through (vi) and 99
‑
3
‑
2904(f)(iv) through (vi), (j)(iv) through (vi) and by creating a new paragraph (vii) are amended to read:
99
‑
3
‑
303.
Level III construction projects new development.
(b)
Project
‑
Aladdin Water Supply Project:
(ii)
Project purpose: Municipal
, domestic and to provide
and rural domestic
water
to facilitate highway construction
supply
;
(iii)
Project description: Authorization for the commission to
sell water from a well constructed from water development program funds to the Aladdin Water District and to the Wyoming department of transportation
transfer ownership of the Project
;
(iv)
Special Conditions:
(F)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commission shall transfer to the Aladdin Water District all rights, title and interest to the Project, to include the well and associated parcel of real property upon occurrence of all the following:
(I)
Expiration of any existing water service contract between the commission and the Aladdin Water District;
(II)
A finding by the commission that it has no further Project related interest;
(III)
Execution of an agreement between the commission and Aladdin Water District to transfer the Project. Source Notes for subsection (b): (Laws 1999, Ch. 16, § 1; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
99
‑
3
‑
1106.
Sponsor's Contingency Funds.
(b)
Project – Sponsor's Contingency Fund
‑
Rehabilitation:
(iv)
Total project budget:
Five million seven hundred thousand dollars ($5,700,000.00)
Eight million six hundred thousand dollars ($8,600,000.00)
;
(vi)
Project loan: The state of Wyoming shall loan to sponsors from water development account II through the commission sufficient supplemental funds which may be used to complete construction of projects up to an amount not to exceed
thirty
‑
three percent (33%)
fifty percent (50%)
of the difference between the original project budget and the actual cost of construction, at an annual rate of four percent (4%);
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission
five million seven hundred thousand dollars ($5,700,000.00)
eight million six hundred thousand dollars ($8,600,000.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1,
2027
2028
; and
(viii)
Special condition:
(B)
The appropriation of additional funds for this project in the amount of
one million two hundred thousand dollars ($1,200,000.00)
two million nine hundred thousand dollars ($2,900,000.00)
is contingent upon the transfer of funds to water development account II as described in
section 3 of
this act or the transfer of funds from another funding source.
Source Notes for subsection (b): (Laws 2006, Ch. 105, § 20; 2010, Ch. 68, § 2; 2012, Ch. 14, § 2; 2015, Ch. 167, § 1, 2017, Ch. 75, § 2; 2019, Ch. 55, § 2; 2020, Ch. 113, § 2; 2021, Ch. 12, § 2; 2023, Ch. 180, § 2; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
99
‑
3
‑
1503.
Level III construction projects ‑ new development.
(g)
Project ‑ Ethete Water Supply:
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2026
;
99
‑
3
‑
2003.
Level III construction projects ‑ new development.
(b)
Project ‑ Arapahoe Pipeline and Tank:
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission two million four hundred twenty thousand dollars ($2,420,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2026
;
99
‑
3
‑
2203.
Level III construction projects – new development.
(b)
Project – Broken Wheel Ranch Water Supply 2017:
(iv)
Total project budget:
Nine hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($915,000.00)
One million eight hundred forty
‑
nine thousand four hundred eighty
‑
seven dollars ($1,849,487.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed
six hundred thirteen thousand fifty dollars ($613,050.00) or sixty
‑
seven percent (67%)
nine hundred thirteen thousand fifty dollars ($913,050.00) or forty
‑
nine and four‑tenths percent (49.4%)
of the actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission
six hundred thirteen thousand fifty dollars ($613,050.00)
nine hundred thirteen thousand fifty dollars ($913,050.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2026
;
(vii)
Special conditions:
(B)
The sponsor is responsible for acquiring
thirty
‑
three percent (33%)
fifty and six‑tenths percent (50.6%)
of the total project budget from other sources.
Source Notes for subsection (b):
(Laws 2017, Ch. 75, § 1; 2022, Ch. 93, § 2, 2023, Ch. 180, § 2; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
(e)
Project
‑
Gillette Regional Extensions 2017:
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission two million seven hundred fifty
‑
three thousand seven hundred dollars ($2,753,700.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2026
;
99
‑
3
‑
2205.
Level III construction projects – dams and reservoirs.
(c)
Project – Middle Piney Reservoir:
(v)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account III to the commission for project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project fourteen million two hundred twenty
‑
eight thousand dollars ($14,228,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account III on July 1,
2025
2027
;
(d)
Project – Alkali Creek Reservoir:
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account III to the commission fifty
‑
nine million dollars ($59,000,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account III on July 1,
2025
2026
.
Source Notes for subsection (d):
(Laws 2017, Ch. 75, § 1; 2020, Ch. 113, § 2; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
99
‑
3
‑
2303.
Level III construction projects – new development.
(b)
Project
‑
Gillette Regional Extensions Phase IV 2018:
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission one million five hundred twelve thousand one hundred ninety dollars ($1,512,190.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2026
;
99
‑
3
‑
2404.
Level III construction projects – new development.
(e)
Project GR/RS/SC JPWB Pump Station 2019:
(iv)
Total project budget:
Eleven million one hundred ninety thousand dollars ($11,190,000.00)
Twenty million one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($20,120,000.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed
seven million four hundred ninety
‑
seven thousand three hundred dollars ($7,497,300.00) or sixty
‑
seven percent (67%)
eleven million nine hundred sixty
‑
two thousand three hundred dollars ($11,962,300.00) or fifty
‑
nine and five‑tenths percent (59.5%)
of the actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission
seven million four hundred ninety
‑
seven thousand three hundred dollars ($7,497,300.00)
eleven million nine hundred sixty
‑
two thousand three hundred dollars ($11,962,300.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2026
2028
;
(vii)
Special conditions: The sponsor is responsible for acquiring
thirty
‑
three percent (33%)
forty and five‑tenths percent (40.5%)
of the total project budget from other sources.
Source notes for subsection (e):
(Laws 2019, Ch. 55, § 1, 2023, Ch. 180, § 2; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
99
‑
3
‑
2406.
Level III construction projects – rehabilitation.
(h)
Project – Eden Valley Irrigation District System Improvements 2019:
(iii)
Project description: Design and construction of
canal lining,
sandtrap structure and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget:
Six hundred fifty thousand dollars ($650,000.00)
One million four hundred four thousand dollars ($1,404,000.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed three hundred fifty
‑
one thousand dollars ($351,000.00) or
fifty
‑
four percent (54%)
twenty
‑
five percent (25%)
of the actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission three hundred fifty
‑
one thousand dollars ($351,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1,
2026
2028
;
(vii)
Special conditions:
(A)
The sponsor is responsible for acquiring
forty
‑
six percent (46%)
seventy
‑
five percent (75%)
of the total project budget from other sources;
99
‑
3
‑
2503.
Level III construction projects new development.
(f)
Project – Gillette Regional Extensions Phase V 2020:
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission three million eighty
‑
eight thousand seven hundred dollars ($3,088,700.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2025
2027
;
99
‑
3
‑
2504.
Level III construction projects – rehabilitation.
(g)
Project – Enterprise Watershed Improvement District Canal Lining 2020:
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission six hundred ten thousand dollars ($610,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1,
2025
2027
. Source Notes for subsection (g):
(Laws 2020, Ch. 113, § 1; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
(j)
Project – Laramie Valley Diversion Structure 2020:
(vii)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account II to the commission one million eight hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,850,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account II on July 1,
2025
2027
. Source Notes for subsection (j):
(Laws 2020, Ch. 113, § 1; 2022, Ch. 93, § 2; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
99
‑
3
‑
2603.
Level III construction projects – new development.
(d)
Project – Lander Well and Transmission Pipeline 2021:
(iv)
Total project budget:
One million three hundred twenty thousand dollars ($1,320,000.00)
Two million eight hundred fifty
‑
seven thousand four hundred dollars ($2,857,400.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement, construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed
eight hundred eighty
‑
four thousand four hundred dollars ($884,400.00)
one million nine hundred fourteen thousand four hundred fifty
‑
eight dollars ($1,914,458.00)
or sixty
‑
seven percent (67%) of the actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission
eight hundred eighty
‑
four thousand four hundred dollars ($884,400.00)
one million nine hundred fourteen thousand four hundred fifty
‑
eight dollars ($1,914,458.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1,
2026
2028
;
99
‑
3
‑
2803.
Level III construction projects ‑ new development.
(f)
Project ‑ South End Water Users ISD Pipeline 2023:
(iii)
Project description: Design and
pre
‑
construction
construction
of water transmission pipelines, structures and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended;
(iv)
Total project budget:
Four hundred fifty
‑
nine thousand four hundred three dollars ($459,403.00)
Five million five hundred forty
‑
eight thousand four hundred three dollars ($5,548,403.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account I through the commission for the design, permit procurement, project land procurement and
pre
‑
construction
construction
engineering
and construction
of the project an amount not to exceed
three hundred seven thousand eight hundred dollars ($307,800.00)
three million seven hundred seventeen thousand four hundred thirty dollars ($3,717,430.00)
or sixty
‑
seven percent (67%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission
three hundred seven thousand eight hundred dollars ($307,800.00)
three million seven hundred seventeen thousand four hundred thirty dollars ($3,717,430.00)
or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2028;
99
‑
3
‑
2904.
Level III construction projects ‑ rehabilitation.
(f)
Project ‑ Goshen Irrigation District Tunnels 1 and 2 Rehabilitation:
(iv)
Total project budget:
Eighty
‑
four million dollars ($84,000,000.00)
one hundred four million dollars ($104,000,000.00)
. The sponsor's project budget
is twenty
‑
one million eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($21,810,000.00)
forty
‑
one million eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($41,810,000.00)
or forty
‑
nine percent (49%) of the total project budget, whichever is less;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the construction engineering and construction of the project an amount not to exceed
twenty
‑
one million eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($21,810,000.00)
forty
‑
one million eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($41,810,000.00)
or one hundred percent (100%) of these actual development costs within the sponsor's project budget, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation:
(A)
2022 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 74, Section 1(a)(ii), as amended, appropriated twenty
‑
one million eight hundred ten thousand dollars ($21,810,000.00) to the commission to carry out the purpose of this subsection
;
.
(B)
There is appropriated from the legislative stabilization reserve account to water development account II which shall be further appropriated from water development account II to the commission twenty million dollars ($20,000,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subparagraph shall revert to the legislative stabilization reserve account on July 1, 2032.
Source Notes for subsection (f): (Laws 2024, Ch. 99, § 1; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
(j)
Project ‑ LaPrele Dam Rehabilitation:
(iv)
Total project budget:
One hundred eighteen million dollars ($118,000,000.00)
One hundred eighty
‑
two million dollars ($182,000,000.00)
;
(v)
Project grant: The state of Wyoming shall grant to the sponsor from water development account II through the commission for the design and construction of the project an amount not to exceed
thirty million dollars ($30,000,000.00)
ninety million dollars ($90,000,000.00)
or one hundred percent (100%) of these actual development costs, whichever is less;
(vi)
Appropriation:
(A)
2022 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 74, Section 1(a)(iii), as amended, appropriated thirty million dollars ($30,000,000.00) to the commission to carry out the purpose of this subsection
;
.
(B)
There is appropriated from the legislative stabilization reserve account to water development account II which shall be further appropriated from water development account II to the commission sixty million dollars ($60,000,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subparagraph shall revert to water development account III on July 1, 2032.
(vii)
Special conditions:
Available federal funds shall be expended prior to the expenditure of funds appropriated under paragraph (vi) of this subsection. Source Notes for subsection (j): (Laws 2024, Ch. 99, § 1; 2025, Ch. 111, § 2.)
Section 3.
W.S. 99
‑
3
‑
303(b)(iv)(A) through (E) and 99
‑
3
‑
2903(f) are repealed.
Section 4.
(a)
The Wyoming water development commission is hereby authorized to transfer four million two hundred thousand dollars ($4,200,000.00) from water development account I created by W.S. 41
‑
2
‑
124(a)(i) to water development account II created by W.S. 41
‑
2
‑
124(a)(ii).
(b)
In accordance with W.S. 41
‑
2
‑
115(b), upon a finding that the transfer of test wells, Belvoir No. 5 and Belvoir No. 6, developed as part of the level II feasibility study authorized under 2004 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 34, Section 4, to the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) is desirable and in the public interest and that BOPU is capable of constructing, operating and maintaining the project and accomplishing the public interest, the water development commission shall transfer to BOPU test wells, Belvoir No. 5 and Belvoir No. 6, developed as part of a level II feasibility study for further development by BOPU, provided agrees to terms outlined by the commission for reimbursement of the expense of predevelopment costs, an amount which shall be not less than two hundred eighteen thousand dollars ($218,000.00), payment for property and assurances of construction, operation and maintenance of the test wells, Belvoir No. 5 and Belvoir No. 6 in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
Section 5.
(a)
The state engineer's office is authorized up to one (1) full
‑
time position in the board of control division for the period beginning with the effective date of this act and ending June 30, 2026 for a natural resources program supervisor. It is the intent of the legislature that the state engineer's office include this full
‑
time position in its standard budget request for the immediately succeeding fiscal biennium.
(b)
There is appropriated one hundred fifty
‑
six thousand three hundred twenty dollars ($156,320.00) from the general fund to the state engineer's office for the period beginning with the effective date of this act and ending June 30, 2026 to be expended only for purposes of funding the position authorized in subsection (a) of this section. This appropriation shall not be transferred or expended for any other purpose and any unexpended, unobligated funds remaining from this appropriation shall revert as provided by law on June 30, 2026.
(c)
This section shall not be effective if 2025 House Bill 0001 or 2025 Senate File 0001 is enacted into law and authorizes the position authorized in subsection (a) of this section.
Section 6.
(a)
There is appropriated one hundred forty
‑
eight thousand dollars ($148,000.00) from the general fund to the state engineer's office for updating the technology used for the accounting system that calculates the natural flow of the North Platte River. This appropriation shall not be transferred or expended for any other purpose and any unexpended, unobligated funds remaining from this appropriation shall revert as provided by law on June 30, 2026.
(b)
If 2025 Senate File 0001 or 2025 House Bill 0001 is enacted into law, the appropriation in subsection (a) of this section shall be reduced by one dollar ($1.00) for every one dollar ($1.00) appropriated to the state engineer's office for updating the technology used for the accounting system that calculates the natural flow of the North Platte River in 2025 Senate File 0001 or 2025 House Bill 0001.
[
Section 7.
The office of state lands and investments shall investigate opportunities to, and subject to the approval of the board of land commissioners shall, exchange public lands for private lands around the LaPrele dam and reservoir to increase public access to, and recreational activity in, the area.
]
[BRACKETED LANGUAGE SHOWN IN BOLD AND AS STRICKEN WAS VETOED BY GOVERNOR MARCH 4, 2025.]
Section 8
.
This act is effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.
(END)
Speaker of the House
President of the Senate
Governor
TIME APPROVED: _________
DATE APPROVED: _________
I hereby certify that this act originated in the House.
Chief Clerk
1