PROJECT INFORMATION:
Dr. Larry Pochop, College of Engineering professor, is the principal investigator in charge of
water related research at the University of Wyoming. The research, conducted under Dr.
Pochop's leadership, is being provided through a cooperative partnership. Participants include
state natural resource agencies and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The WWDC, the State Engineer's Office, and other agencies present Dr. Pochop and a Selection
Committee, formed from several state and federal governmental agencies, with several research
topics each year. These topics cover water related subjects in need of research. The Committee
then selects the projects to receive the program funding for the upcoming year.
Funding is being provided primarily by the Wyoming Water Development Commission and the
USGS. The Water Development Commission provides $2 to every $1 provided by the USGS.
Other state agencies have provided labor or "in kind" research activities to leverage the USGS
funds.
In year 2000, the legislature appropriated $140,000 to match available USGS funds. These fund
were used on the USGS year 2001 program. This program included administration, four ongoing
projects and three new projects.
In year 2001, the legislature appropriated $140,000 to match available USGS funds. These funds
will be used on the USGS year 2002 program. This program will include administration, four
ongoing projects and three new projects.
The USGS is revising their program and considering increasing their match from $70,000 to
$100,000. This would increase the state match to $200,000. Therefore, the legislature will be
asked to appropriate $200,000 in 2002 to continue to develop water related research in
cooperation with the USGS year 2003 program.
In year 2002, the legislature appropriated $200,000 to match available USGS funds. These funds
will be used on the USGS year 2003 program.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The Commission recommends that the project be incorporated in the New Development Program
at Level I with an appropriation of $200,000. The WWDC anticipates yearly appropriations for
the upcoming years for continuation to these research projects.
