Wyoming Water Development Program

1
Wyoming Water Development Program

• Working with the Water Development Commission

2
Water Development Program

• Water Development Commission and Program
• Who can receive funding from the WWDC
• How can a BAG work with the WWDC to promote
  projects

3
Water Development Program

• The Water Development Commission and Program were
  established in 1979
• The Program is funded by Mineral Severance Taxes.

4
Water Development Program

• Established to foster, promote and encourage
  optimal development of the states human,
  industrial, mineral, agricultural, water and
  recreational resources.
• The program shall provide, through the commission
  policies for planning, selection, financing,
  construction, acquisition and operation of
  projects to conserve, store, distribute and use
  water..

5
Water Development Program

• Account I, New Development
• Account II, Rehabilitation
• Account III, Dams Reservoirs

6
Water Development Program

• From the Severance Tax Distribution Account
• Account I 12.45
• Account II 2.1
• Account III 0.5

7
Water Development Program

• Funding and Management of Studies and Projects
• Level I Reconnaissance Studies Baseline Studies
  Master Plans
• Level II Feasibility Studies Phase I, Phase II,
  Phase III
• Level III Final Design Construction Projects

8
Water Development Program

• Project Approval Funding
• Applications to WDO
• Approval by WWDC
• Approval by Select Water Committee
• Legislature omnibus water bill
• Bill signed by Governor

9
Water Development Program

• Funding for Projects
• Level I Studies 100 State Grant
• Level II Studies 100 State Grant
• Level III final design and construction 50
  Grant and 50 Loan

10
Water Development Program Who can receive
project funding?

• Cities
• Towns
• Special Districts
• Join Powers Boards
• Conservation Dist

• The key to receiving funding is being a public
  entity
• Interested groups can apply for Level I and Level
  II studies
• Sponsors must be a public entity at Level III

11
Water Development ProgramHow can a Basin
Advisory Group Work with the WDP?

• As a formal organization such as a Joint Powers
  Board
• Or as an informal group such as your BAG

12
Water Divisions
13
Water Development ProgramWhat can a BAG do to
promote projects?

• Provide Leadership
• Meet and talk with groups about potential
  Projects
• Stay involved at the state level
• Provide Education
• Provide groups with information on sponsoring
  Projects

14
Water Development Program

• If the BAG wants to form a Joint Powers Board
  what should they do?
• Approach and get approval from as many county
  commissions with in the basin as possible.
• Obtain legal assistance to from the board
• Determine what the mission of the board will be.