Today, I bring you the important updates on HB0117 as we have made several changes and corrections within it. Initially, the project aimed to investigate the viability of drilling one or more wells or implementing other water projects to provide additional water supply to lands served by the LaPrele Irrigation District. HB0117 allocated $30 million from the state to the LaPrele Dam Rehabilitation, with a total project budget of $118 million. The state grant was initially intended only to cover up 25% of the actual development cost.
The recent developments made have substantially increased both the project’s budget as well as the state’s financial commitment, starting with a change to the total project budget, which has been proposed to be raised from the initial $118 million to $182 million, and the state grant that is hoped to increase from $30 million to $90 million, now expected to cover up to 100% of the actual development cost. There is also an amendment to additional funding, which is to accommodate future changes, the bill includes a financial reallocation that will be a transfer from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account, where $60 million would be redirected to the water development account II (2) to ensure sufficient funding for the LaPrele Dam Rehabilitation project and support the project’s execution.
These amendments reflect a strategic shift in prioritizing the LaPrele Dam Rehabilitation, ensuring that the project receives the necessary funding. This investment aims to support agricultural operations and local communities in the area, addressing the water supply challenges and infrastructure needs.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement!
As always, feel free to reach out to me at brian.boner@wyoleg.gov
Or (307) 359-0707
EXTRAS
Information on the Senate and House Chamber Laylights:
In 1917, the Capitol underwent yet another expansion, adding the current Senate and House Chambers. The Chambers feature a Tiffany-style stained-glass laylight, decorated with beautiful floral and geometric designs that frame the State’s Great Seal, centered in the design. Within both the Senate and House Chamber lay lights, there are more than 20,000 pieces of stained glass.
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