• Wyoming allocates over $114 million to water projects.
• LaPrele Dam receives a major boost with $60 million.
• Goshen Irrigation District secures $20 million for tunnel rehab.
• Alkali Creek Reservoir project sees a $50 million reduction.

February 17, 2025 — The Wyoming State Legislature is investing significant money into water infrastructure, directing more than $114 million toward various projects. House Bill HB0117, the Omnibus Water Bill – Construction, includes funding for municipal water systems, irrigation districts, dams, and reservoirs, ensuring that Wyoming’s water resources remain reliable for residents and industries.

The bill distributes funds through three key accounts:

• Water Development Account I: $14.8 million
• Water Development Account II: $99.99 million
• Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account: $80 million, with a focus on major projects.

Big Gains for LaPrele Dam and Goshen Irrigation.

Among the largest beneficiaries, the LaPrele Dam Rehabilitation Project will receive a total of $60 million from state funds. This money will help replace the aging dam structure, ensuring continued water supply for agriculture and local communities. The Goshen Irrigation District also gets a major financial boost, with $20 million allocated for rehabilitating Tunnels 1 and 2, critical components of the district’s irrigation system.

A Shift in Priorities: Alkali Creek Reservoir Funding Cut.

While some projects are seeing increased investment, the Alkali Creek Reservoir project faces a major reduction. The bill cuts $50 million from its funding, redirecting it to other priorities, including the LaPrele Dam rehabilitation.

Supporting Local Water Systems.

The bill also funds multiple local water supply projects across Wyoming. Grants are being distributed to cities and irrigation districts for pipeline replacements, reservoir upgrades, and small-scale water storage projects. Funding will also support weather modification (cloud seeding) operations in the Wind River, Sierra Madre, and Medicine Bow Mountain Ranges during the winters of 2025 and 2026.

The Bottom Line.

Wyoming’s Omnibus Water Bill – Construction represents a significant investment in the state’s water infrastructure. With funds being reallocated toward major dam projects and irrigation rehabilitation, the state is working to ensure long-term water security for both agricultural and municipal users.

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Image:

American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States. Only a week after this photo was taken, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act, officially making the American bison the national mammal of the United States. Please also notice the moose photobombing the bison on the left. Photo by Frank Schulenburg, May 2016.  This is a featured picture on Wikimedia Commons and is considered one of the finest images.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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