Water Resources Development Act of 2020 will increase Wyoming's water storage, restore ecosystems, and improve flood-prevention infrastructure.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Leaders and stakeholders around Wyoming have voiced their support for the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020). As chairman of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) was the lead Senate author of the bill, which includes important Wyoming water infrastructure priorities.
These priorities include increasing water storage for farmers and ranchers; strengthening water infrastructure; improving flood-risk management infrastructure; restoring aquatic ecosystems; and managing invasive species that degrade water resources and infrastructure. The legislation passed Congress and will now be sent to the president's desk.
What They Are Saying:
Governor Mark Gordon
“This package of national water infrastructure measures reflects an impressive bipartisan achievement that has been two long years in the making. Many thanks to Senator Barrasso's leadership to pass this very crucial legislation before the end of the year. Wyoming supports provisions in the bill that will assist Western and rural states. In particular, we support funding for small water storage projects. This provision will be instrumental to assist Wyoming in developing our water resources and sustaining our farms and ranches well into the future." - Governor Mark Gordon
President of the Family Farm Alliance Pat O'Toole
“The 2020 WRDA, once again, will benefit Rocky Mountain states and other parts of the West. It contains important provisions that authorize new small water storage projects, provides planning assistance to states on water supply and conservation matters, enhances reservoir operations and sediment management in the Upper Missouri River and North Platte River basins, and improves invasive species and noxious weed management. We thank Senator Barrasso and his committee once again for their leadership in getting this year's WRDA across the finish line." - Pat O'Toole raises sheep and cattle on the Continental Divide.
Executive Vice President of Wyoming Stock Growers Association Jim Magagna
“Wyoming Stock Growers Association commends Chairman Barrasso for leading development of the very comprehensive Water Resources Development Act of 2020. While many of the Act's provisions will potentially benefit Wyoming, we are particularly excited by the support for small water projects in low population states. These projects are an essential component of the water delivery system for agriculture across our state. In addition, the focus on assistance for enhanced inspection of aging infrastructure addresses a critical need in assuring dependable water supplies as well as human and animal safety." - Executive Vice President of Wyoming Stock Growers Association Jim Magagna
Director of the Wyoming Water Development Office Brandon Gebhart
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2020 will provide Western and rural states additional ability to address a multitude of issues affecting our water resources. Aging infrastructure, water supply and water conservation. are some of the significant issues facing Wyoming. Wyoming is currently planning and constructing water storage projects throughout the State to improve drought resiliency. The funding for small water storage projects and the emphasis on furthering forecast informed reservoir operations provided by this bill will have an immediate, positive impact on our state's efforts. Wyoming strongly supports this bill. Many thanks to Senator Barrasso for his dedication to passing this crucial legislation." - Director of the Wyoming Water Development Office Brandon Gebhart
Director and Homeland Security Advisor of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Lynn Budd
“The passing of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 demonstrates the commitment of a joint effort to address Wyoming's, and ultimately the nation's, water resources. Wyoming sits at the headwaters of the nation. This Act will increase Wyoming's resiliency, public safety, long-term health and productivity in regard to water resources and infrastructure. These collaborative efforts promote education, policies and activities that will increase the safety of our communities and lessen current and future losses caused by flooding." - Director and Homeland Security Advisor of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Lynn Budd
Director of Wyoming Game and Fish Department Brian Nesvik
“Keeping Wyoming free of zebra and quagga mussels is one of Game and Fish's highest priorities. This bill provides needed focus and resources that will help us continue our fight against aquatic invasive species. We are grateful for Senator Barrasso's leadership on yet another important piece of wildlife conservation legislation." - Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Brian Nesvik
The Crow Creek Revival Committee
“The Crow Creek Revival (CCR) committee in Cheyenne is thrilled to hear about the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. This Congressional act proves an on-going commitment to the accessibility of clean, safe water while having actionable steps towards preservation and enhancement of the environment. A key component of WRDA directly aligns with the CCR project to promote, enhance, restore, and revitalize the ecological values and functions of Crow Creek and its tributaries for public enjoyment in the City of Cheyenne. Chairman Barrasso and members of the Environment and Public Works Committee are true dedicated civil servants whose work on this bill help meet the demands of projects like Crow Creek."
Director of Sheridan Public Works Lane Thompson
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2020 is very important to the Sheridan Community because of the legislation's continued support for our area's ongoing Army Corp of Engineers projects. Many of these projects would not have been possible except through assistance from programs in WRDA legislation." - Director of Sheridan Public Works Lane Thompson
