Select Water Committee Meeting Summary (May 29, 2003)

The Select Water Committee met jointly with the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) in Cheyenne.  Staff from the Water Development Office gave a presentation on the study of reservoirs and their capacity. The study is considering potential sites for increasing water storage, either by building new dams or expanding existing storage facilities.  A representative from the Denver Water Board gave a presentation regarding the federal regulatory process related to permitting a water storage facility.  The Committee also received information from the State Geological survey on coalbed methane development and its impact. 

The Committee approved contract amendments for two projects and approved several planning division contract documents.  The Water Development Office director explained the groundwater exploration grant program, which fosters the exploration and expansion of groundwater.  The WWDC approved a grant for the City of Cheyenne to expand a well north of town under the program.  The Water Development Office provided an update on the Big Horn Regional Water Supply Study and explained the need to obtain access across privately owned lands to drill a well on BLM land.  Staff from the Attorney General’s Office  explained proposed agreements for access and the WWDC approved the agreements.  The Committee will meet again jointly with the WWDC on August 20 and 21, 2003 in Saratoga with an accompanying tour of the High Savery Dam project.