New signs remind drivers to “think”
As the number of fatal crashes on Wyoming’s roads continues to climb, two of Carbon County’s officials, Commissioner Travis Moore and Road and Bridge Superintendent Bill Nation, have taken a unique approach to reminding the motoring public to stay safe. Cali O’Hare reports.
Hanna seeks Abandoned Mine Land grant
The Town of Hanna is gearing up for a large project to replace the waterlines in the oldest portion of the municipality. To help fund the project, officials looking to apply for an Abandoned Mine Land grant. Emma Diercks has the story.
Barrasso urges Platte River recovery program extension
In Washington, a senate panel heard testimony Wednesday on a bill, S. 990, to extend the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program.
Irrigators along the Upper Platte Valley here in Carbon County share a keen interest in PRIPP. Designed to protect three species of birds and one of fish in wetland habitat of central Nebraska, PRIPP can impact Wyoming water rights in dry years.
PRIPP was first enacted in 2008. The cooperative Endangered Species Act program is the result of a cooperative agreement between Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado. It expires next year. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso introduced the bi-partisan legislation to tag 13 more years onto the agreement. Barrasso said yesterday the extension will not create any new federal water rights.
The program is designed to protect the whooping crane, least tern, piping plover and pallid sturgeon. Barrasso called the program a success. So far, 12,000 acres of habitat have been acquired through the program.
Local concerns exist, though.
At a public meeting in Saratoga last year, state officials told a large crowd that most of the goals of the program have been met except for acquiring an additional 150,000 acre feet of water per year. At stake are allotments in the Pathfinder Reservoir.
Local irrigators at the meeting said they wanted a no-call protection on the North Platte River for any additional Pathfinder water sent to Nebraska for the program. How those concerns were addressed is unclear.
Barrasso said yesterday the extension allows new and existing water use through a streamlined consultation process. During questioning from Barrasso, Under Secretary of Interior Kiel Weaver stressed the urgency of passing the extension before the program ends to keep current regulations in place.
Failure to extend the program also could trigger endangered species act regulations. PRIPP will expire at the end of this year. The governors of Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska recently signed a joint letter expressing their support of the 13-year extension.
Saratoga officials address traffic troubles
The Saratoga Town Council and police department plans to explore ways to make the intersection at Rochester and 10th safer. A citizen recently expressed concern of people failing to yield at the signs. Emma Diercks has the story.
Sports: Lady Panthers set to host volleyball camp
As the off-season moves into July, the Saratoga volleyball team will host a camp early in the month. Joey Saverine has the story.
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