David Thomas: “My colleague is correct. I would also like to add that during Wyoming's last legislative session, the Wyoming…”

“My colleague is correct. I would also like to add that during Wyoming's last legislative session, the Wyoming legislature and the Wyoming Water Development Commission worked closely with the Wind River Tribes to develop and pass legislation that will enable the Tribes to act as sponsors of water development projects through the Wyoming Water Development Program. According to the Director of the Wyoming Water Commission, funding for the Wyoming Water Development Program is appropriated annually by the legislature for specific projects, like rehabilitating certain parts of the Wind River Irrigation Project. Unfortunately, the State does not have the financial means or the desire to fund a federally owned and operated system by itself. However, this cooperation highlights that Federal dollars spent on the Wind River Irrigation Project would go a long way towards not only its rehabilitation, but would also encourage the State of Wyoming to become more involved in addressing the water needs of that area.”