PROJECT INFORMATION:
Dr. Larry Pochop of the Engineering College at the University of
Wyoming has requested information on the needs of the State of Wyoming
(WY) in relation to its water resources projects. These are water
related needs that also relate to the United States Geologic Survey
(USGS) and their programs. The USGS has approved an annual allotment
of $70,000 to the State of Wyoming for water related research projects
for the next five years. The USGS funds need to be matched by state
funds at a rate of 1 to 2 ($70,000 USGS to $140,000 WY). At the current
time, this funding to Wyoming is in a probationary status. This is due
to the joint projects with the USGS getting lost in the shuffle when the
Water Research Center ended.
The WWDC staff along with the State Engineer's Office (SEO) staff have
presented Dr. Pochop with areas that need additional research and data
acquisition in the areas of instream flow, ground water aquifers, surface
water from a TMDL perspective, and water related endangered species topics.
The SEO has also submitted ideas in the areas of conveyance losses and water
conservation and management. The Wyoming Geologic Survey submitted information
on their needs in the coal bed methane area.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The Commission recommends that the project be incorporated into the New
Development Program at Level I with an appropriation of $140,000. The WWDC
anticipates additional appropriations for the upcoming years for continuation
of these research projects.
