On Thursday, Wyoming’s Select Water Committee and the Wyoming Water Development Commission set a Dec. 17 deadline to revisit a $44 million funding request from the Nowood Watershed Improvement District. The request would move the contested Alkali Creek Dam and reservoir project forward, but officials asked the district and five nearby landowners to keep negotiating easements before any private property could be taken.
Local families voice hardship
During the joint hearing, Michelle Hamilton testified about the personal toll the project has taken on her family. She described financial strain, professional disruption, and emotional stress, adding, “Condemnation: that is not the Wyoming way.” Hamilton’s remarks underscored the district’s plan to condemn easements across her property near Hyattville if negotiations fail.
State officials stress community cohesion
One water‑commission member emphasized that the goal is not to “tear communities apart.” The joint boards paused the funding request without dissent, signaling a willingness to seek a compromise that respects private landowners while still pursuing the water‑storage benefits the dam promises.
Elections shape the board’s composition
The recent Nov. 3 election in Big Horn and Washakie counties preserved a rural water‑board majority that favors condemnation. Incumbents Mitch Vigil and John Joyce retained their seats, while Todd Jones, an opponent of the eminent‑domain effort, replaced Martin Mercer on the Nowood board. Jones captured the most votes (182), followed closely by Vigil (180) and Joyce (177). Mercer, who sold the district the land for the dam, received 158 votes and was unseated. Opponents Doug Hamilton and Tom Shirran, both targeted by the condemnation effort, earned 152 and 151 votes respectively.
Financial offers and next steps
The district has offered five landowners a total of $97,000 for right‑of‑way easements on 35 acres, with adjustments based on appraisals. If the owners reject the offers, condemnation would proceed, according to district letters. Affected landowners, all upstream of the proposed reservoir, questioned the project’s benefits and the adequacy of compensation. Some of the land slated for condemnation would be submerged once the reservoir fills; other easements are needed for the enlargement and maintenance of the Anita Ditch, which would feed the reservoir.
Project scope and community impact
The Alkali Creek Dam would be an earth embankment 100 feet high and half a mile long, creating a 312‑acre reservoir when full. The water would provide late‑season irrigation for roughly 33 families in eight out of ten years and guarantee a 132‑acre pool for recreation. Proponents argue the reservoir would also benefit fisheries in nearby rivers and creeks.
Voting process and ballot distribution
Conservation districts in Big Horn and Washakie counties mailed a total of 453 ballots to district voters. Each registered voter received one ballot, and each taxable parcel owner received one vote per parcel, reflecting the district’s unique voting structure.
Looking ahead
With the Dec. 17 deadline set, the district must either reach satisfactory easement agreements or face a condemnation process that could further divide the community. State officials have signaled a preference for negotiated solutions, but the ultimate decision will hinge on whether landowners accept the offered terms or the district proceeds with eminent‑domain action.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
