Wyoming Water Development Commission Critical Aging Irrigation Infrastructure Project, Level I Study

With recent events such as the collapse of the Gering - Fort Laramie Canal tunnel, coupled with identification of significant structural issues with the LaPrele Dam, and other recent structural failures, critical aging irrigation infrastructure has become a pressing issue in the State. Much of the State's irrigation infrastructure exceeds 100 years in age. To begin to address the issue of aging infrastructure, the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) received funding from the 2022 Wyoming State Legislature to conduct the Critical Aging Irrigation Infrastructure Assessment Level I Study (Study). The goal of the project is to minimize economic impacts and disruptions to producers by proactively identifying irrigation infrastructure failures before they occur.

Trihydro Corporation, based in Laramie, Wyoming, has been selected to complete the Study. Trihydro staff are collecting information through research of historic reports, previously collected data, and discussions with irrigation entities, irrigators, and select agencies across the state. A list of critical irrigation structures within the State will be developed, prioritized, and evaluated to help the WWDC and Wyoming Legislature understand the magnitude of aging irrigation infrastructure issues.

Ten public meetings are being held across the State to inform the public and gather additional input. Landowners, ranchers, and farmers are invited to attend meetings in their area to help identify aging infrastructure in their systems, discuss the areas of largest concern to daily operations with Wyoming Water Development Office and Trihydro staff, and learn about funding opportunities for resource related projects.

Completion of the project is planned for December 2023