Irrigation districts press committee to address orphaned water rights and small‑subdivision transfers

Keith Kennedy, representing the Wyoming Association of Irrigation Districts, urged the committee to continue last year's interim discussion and finish work on orphaned water rights, focusing on transfers tied to family exemptions and small subdivisions. He warned that unclear statutory handling could put rights at risk amid broader Colorado River concerns.

"We would like to wrap up that discussion that we started last year ... making certain in statute that those rights are properly moved or used on location both in the municipal as well as the county code," Kennedy said, urging participation by the State Engineer's Office and describing recent cases that expose gaps when small subdivisions or family transfers occur.

Committee members agreed the topic warrants targeted interim attention and suggested two hours split across two meetings, with invitations to the State Engineer and other technical stakeholders.

Next steps: staff to slot the topic among interim priorities and invite the State Engineer and affected irrigation district representatives to brief the committee.