WASHINGTON, D.C. — A broad group of Wyoming leaders and stakeholders have voiced support for Sen. John Barrasso’s (R-WY) bipartisan legislation, S. 3021, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.
America’s Water Infrastructure Act achieves significant national and Wyoming-specific water infrastructure priorities. As chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Barrasso was the lead Senate author of the bill. The legislation is scheduled for Senate consideration today. It will then go to President Trump to be signed into law. For more information on the legislation, click here.
What They Are Saying About the Legislation:
“I am in support of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018…. This bipartisan bill includes key provisions that would allow modification of Fontenelle Dam. This is a critical project highlighted in my 2015 Water Strategy. Once completed, it could allow from 100,000 to 200,000 acre-feet of usable storage in the water short Colorado River Basin, without changing the environmental footprint of the project. I look forward to the swift passage of this legislation, and thank you for recognizing the importance of water infrastructure in the West.”
Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA):
“WSGA is pleased to offer our support to S. 3021. This very comprehensive legislation focuses on assuring efficient operation and maintenance of water infrastructure while enhancing the opportunity for cooperation and collaboration with local governments and water users. In particular, WSGA strongly supports the provision in Section 4310 that would assist in ensuring that the State of Wyoming can proceed with the necessary modification to the Fontenelle Dam to allow for full use of the available water supply. Timely approval of this effort is critical to enabling the state to meet water development goals established by our Governor
Mead.” – Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President
Wyoming Wool Growers Association:
“On behalf of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, we write to support S. 3021, America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018…we believe this bill remains a good bill for Wyoming, including our sheep and livestock producers, and the West. We are pleased to offer our support for its final passage.” – Amy Hendrickson, Executive Director
“We believe the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, developed and advanced by your Committee, -- in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner -- shows a strong commitment to existing and future water infrastructure, recognizes the unique challenges faced by Western rural communities, and makes important strides in addressing those challenges. The public infrastructure needs our Nation is currently facing are daunting, and they will require innovative solutions to meet those needs. The infrastructure investments made by prior generations have benefited this country for over a hundred of years. Now it is this generation’s responsibility to invest in our water infrastructure for future generations. S. 3021 makes a significant contribution toward meeting that responsibility” – Pat O’Toole, President and Dan Keppen, Executive Director
Washakie County Commissioner Terry Wolf
“It is great hear that America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 is headed to President Trump to be signed into law. Having the opportunity to testify in Senator Barrasso's EPW committee on March 1st, 2017 was a significant step forward in highlighting problems that rural counties face across the country. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act passed in December 2016 required the U.S Army Corps of Engineers to carry out at least ten pilot projects to prevent and mitigate flood damages caused by ice jams. This testimony opened the door for Washakie County to have a positive dialog with the Army Corps, develop a plan of action, and remove a large sandbar that developed over several decades in the Bighorn River. This sandbar had been helping to cause ice jams and flooding of residential homes and businesses. Seven months after testifying, the successful removal of the sandbar was completed. With the passage of America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, red tape will be reduced and local stakeholders will have a stronger voice and more control over projects.”
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