Better data, more reservoir capacity and river restoration are among the priorities outlined in Wyoming’s new water strategy. Governor Matt Mead’s office developed the strategy, with input from the public. It focuses on ten projects in three areas: water development, water conservation and water restoration. Policy advisor Nephi Cole says more than 7000 people commented on the draft strategy, which included dozens of projects.
“We had to pick, you know, a top tier. Given all that other information, which ones should carry forward? And we believe that we picked those. We believe that that’s what these top 10 represent.”
Cole says some of the projects can be carried out with existing agency budgets, others will require appropriations, which agencies could request from the Legislature during the 2016 budget session.
The full strategy can be viewed online at water.wyo.gov.