There are many thirsty eyes gazing at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Some of them are our Wyoming neighbors.
It has been almost 14 years since the Sweetwater County residents were first introduced to the idea of a trans-basin water diversion, and thankfully the project proposals from the likes of Aaron Million have never been frustrated.
We are more against the idea than ever as there is no situation that involves a diversion of trans-basins that could benefit Sweetwater County’s residents. We’re also glad that politicians from all sides in Sweetwater County have taken up the cause of opposing a diversion. It’s a rare situation where everyone is on the same page and agrees that dividing the trans pool is a bad idea for all of us.
We believe it is important to remember how precious our water is and to re-emphasize the importance of protecting it as a movement has begun to pull back on Communities Protecting the Green’s original intent and to turn their focus away from potential litigation versus diversionary resource.
We certainly don’t think the new Sweetwater County Water User Coalition would do just that, although their focus is more on advice and education than on potential litigation. We also believe the allegations that litigation will be handled by downstream users if a trans-basin diversion is given the green light to proceed. The prolonged drought in the western states has created a protective blanket for us – water has become too precious downstream to be wasted or diverted. If the situation were bad enough, we also don’t believe that we would not see the county and the two cities in litigation if the situation warrants it.
Although the Million Plan has not been a major problem for years, we are still concerned about other plans, particularly those that would benefit the state capital and the surrounding areas. Should the thirst caused by economic and population growth persist, we see a potential situation where Laramie County’s leaders could look west to quench that thirst.
Should the government decide to investigate a means of sending water across the state, we could have a fight.
Water is important to Sweetwater County’s future. Should the county want to diversify its economy, water will be key to achieving that. The ongoing work to create an industrial park near the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport requires it. Without access to a steady supply of water, this growth will not take place. Anyone looking to locate an industrial company along Middle Baxter Road is not ready for the idea of moving it from Rock Springs, as the airport is currently doing.
We have to protect our water rights. Otherwise we have no future for growth and prosperity. While we are sure that city and county leaders understand this, we hope that future leaders will take this fact to heart and fight any future proposals that would divert waters from us.
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