Wyoming’s water chief wants emergency funds for hydrologists to measure flows in the state’s portion of the troubled Colorado River Basin, documentation he said is vital to preserving irrigation and other uses. State Engineer Brandon Gebhart asked for $167,210 in supplemental budget funds, a piddling amount in the world of western water finances, but a critical sum necessary to launch the work this spring. He called parts of the proposed allocation an “emergency,” a designation that would enable disbursements to begin this fiscal year. Among other things, the money would employ three full-time hydrographers to measure flows in the Green and Little Snake river drainages. The total figure covers money specifically directed toward Colorado River issues as Wyoming girds to protect irrigators and other water users. 

Other Colorado River articles:

• KJCT News (Grand Junction, Colo.): Commissioners may send a letter to President of the United States concerning zebra mussels
• 8 News Now (Las Vegas): Grand Canyon rates for non-commercial river trips about to go up