PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Level II report was completed in 1994. The Level II study refined a Level I planning study
completed in 1990. Both studies showed that the area could be effectively served through a
regional system. The recently completed Level II study developed conceptual designs and cost
estimates to connect the entities in and around Casper to a single water supply system. During the
past 10 years, the Commission has received numerous applications from municipalities and water
districts in the area seeking assistance in developing good water supplies. The state's financial
resources would be better applied to solving the area's problems than to continue piecemeal
development.
Progress was delayed while the political subdivisions in the area formed a joint powers board. In
early 1994, a joint powers board comprised of representatives from Natrona County, Casper, Mills,
Wardwell Water and Sewer District, the Salt Creek Joint Powers Board, Evansville, and Brooks
Water and Sewer District was formed. In early 1995, the towns of Mills and Evansville opted out
of the board.
The aggregate population of the entities served by the Natrona County Regional Water System
Joint Powers Board is approximately 60,000 residents. The Level II feasibility study of the Natrona
County Regional Water Supply Project identified $60,000,000 of needed improvements, of which
$37,000,000 would be eligible for WWDC assistance, and identified a phased approach for
completing the project. Some infrastructure improvements will be completed by 1997 to facilitate
operation of the regional system. Pipelines are needed to connect the various entities to the regional
system. This first phase of the pipeline improvements is estimated to cost $5,110,000. Because of
limited funds available during the 1995 session, the WWDC recommended that this project be
phased.
In 1995, the joint powers board completed the ownership agreements with the participating entities,
executed the contracts with the WWDC, retained a project manager and retained a design firm. Bid
package No.1, No 2, No. 4, No. 6 and No. 7 have been completed. Bid package No 5, water
treatment plant modifications, is under construction. Bid Package No. 8 will be constructed during
2000-2001.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.