Section 99-1-602 - Lake DeSmet Reservoir project(a) Authorization is granted for the Lake DeSmet Reservoir project as provided in this section. Source Notes for subsection (a): (Laws 2018, Ch. 115, § 1.)
(b) Project - Lake DeSmet Reservoir:(i) Project sponsor: State of Wyoming;(ii) Project purpose: Agriculture, municipal, rural domestic and industrial water supply;(iii) Project description: The purchase of: (A) Water storage capacity in Lake DeSmet;(B) Approximately four hundred forty-five (445) acres of land containing Healy Reservoir, the Clear Creek diversion structure and pumping facilities;(C) Transmission pipeline related to the project;(D) Funding for the Lake DeSmet Reservoir account as provided in subparagraph (vi)(D) of this subsection; and(E) Associated water rights, easements and appurtenances necessary to make the project function in the manner intended. The project may also include closing costs as provided in subparagraph (vi)(C) of this subsection.(iv) Total project budget: Four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000.00);(v) Appropriation: There is appropriated from water development account I to the commission four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000.00) or as much thereof as is necessary to carry out the purpose of this subsection. Unexpended funds appropriated under this subsection shall revert to water development account I on July 1, 2021;(vi) Special conditions: (A) The office is hereby authorized to negotiate a purchase agreement with the owner of the project. The purchase agreement shall be submitted to the commission and governor for approval;(B) Upon approval of a purchase agreement by the commission and governor, the commission is authorized to expend up to two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000.00) to purchase project components described in the approved purchase agreement;(C) In addition to the authorized purchase price in the approved agreement, the office may use appropriated funds to pay fifty percent (50%) of the closing costs;(D) Upon approval by the commission, any remaining funds from the appropriation under this section up to two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) shall be deposited in the Lake DeSmet Reservoir account created by W.S. 99-99-1001(a)(ix);(E) Upon completion of the purchase of the project the office, with oversight from the commission, shall manage the project for the benefit of water users in this state.Added by Laws 2018 , ch. 115, § 1, eff. 3/14/2018.