Wyoming Receives Funding for Ecosystem Restoration Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Wyoming is set to benefit from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with a $1,246,400 investment aimed at restoring native fish habitats and improving irrigation infrastructure in the upper Hoback River watershed, Wyoming News Now reports.

This funding is part of a broader $41 million initiative announced by the Department of the Interior to support 21 projects nationwide that enhance water resources, ecosystem health, and community resilience in the face of climate change.

The Wyoming project, led by Trout Unlimited Inc., focuses on Dell and Jack Creeks in the upper Hoback River watershed. These creeks provide critical habitats for native Snake River cutthroat trout and other fish species. However, outdated diversion structures installed in the 1950s have hindered fish migration.

The project will upgrade eight diversion structures to allow for fish passage, reconnecting 12 miles of habitat on Dell Creek and six miles on Jack Creek. These improvements aim to:

• Enhance stream connectivity: Reconnect vital fish habitats within the greater Snake River watershed.
• Improve irrigation efficiency: Upgrade water diversions for nearby ranching operations.
• Reduce sediment input: Minimize sediment from diversion structure maintenance, benefiting water quality and instream habitats.

Supported by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Sublette County Conservation District, Little Jennie Ranch, and other partners, the project exemplifies a collaborative approach to conservation.

The $41 million investment announced this week follows a $51 million allocation for Environmental Water Resource Projects in 2023. Nationwide, the selected projects focus on improving water conservation, infrastructure efficiency, and watershed restoration through Reclamation’s WaterSMART program.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland highlighted the importance of these efforts, saying:

“Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change… These collaborative projects will enhance watershed health and conservation throughout the country.”

Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton emphasized the program’s focus on “nature-based solutions for the health of our watersheds and river ecosystems to increase drought resiliency.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents the largest investment in climate resilience in US history. Over five years, $8.3 billion will be allocated to water infrastructure projects, including rural water systems, dam safety, desalination, and ecosystem restoration.

Since its signing three years ago, more than $5 billion has been allocated to over 670 projects, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing community resilience and advancing environmental justice through the Justice40 Initiative.

For a full list of projects funded under the WaterSMART program, visit the Bureau of Reclamation website.