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2002 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Active Projects

PROJECT INFORMATION:
The City of Lander is presently dealing with the effects of an extended drought cycle. Diminished flows in the Middle Fork Popo Agie River, resulting from a series of low snow pack years in the Wind River range, may begin to tax the city's ability to meet demand if another dry year lies ahead. Previous Level I and Level II studies explored the potential for developing supplemental and/or replacement shallow ground water sources. The effort was focused on water quality not quantity. The Paleozoic-age aquifer system (Tensleep Sandstone, Madison Limestone, Bighorn Dolomite), along the east flank of the Wind River range, may provide additional drought insurance. This aquifer system has long been recognized as having potential for providing high-quality ground water from wells that could possibly produce over 1000 gpm. To minimize the risk to water users during dry cycles, the city requests an in-depth groundwater study that identifies an optimal location for drilling a test well that may ultimately be developed for municipal use.

RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be incorporated in the New Development program at Level II with an appropriation of $40,000.