TORRINGTON – A resolution addressing the future of water supplies for communities along the North Platte River Basin in Wyoming and Nebraska was approved Tuesday by the Torrington City Council.
David Schaff of M C Schaff and Associates of Scottsbluff, explained the background of the proposed interstate project: Wyoming Water Development Commission Level II Study of the Platte Alliance Water Supply Project. Schaff said Nebraska communities are currently concerned with water quality issues, which will become an even larger issue in the future.
During discussion on the proposed resolution, Mayor Mike Varney said he would consider the proposal as long as there is no cost to the city.  
“Torrington solved our water problem,” he said, explaining the process the city went through to meet federal water standards several years ago. This included racking up debt that is still being paid off.
“If it’s a water backup for us, we could see where it goes,” Varney said. “But when it comes to the money stage, that’s a different issue.”
Councilman Bill Law questioned participation, saying he could support the study, depending on cost. He also questioned Schaff on the cost and how binding the resolution is.
City Attorney Jim Eddington said the resolution contains a disclaimer, attaching a condition to Torrington’s participation:
“...the Council hereby expresses their full support for the formation of Governance for a regional water system and their intent to participate in the process and system, subject to their financial ability to join the regional water system once the costs are determined, and encourages participation from all communities in the (North Platte River) Basin..”
“You’re not agreeing to spend a nickel tonight,” Eddington told the council. “There is no financial
commitment.”
The resolution addresses concerns over the quality, quantity and cost of future municipal water supplies, and their impact on current and future growth, as well as economic vitality. It also lists concerns regarding future federal standards.

With these issues in mind, the resolution proposes a regional domestic potable water supply through a centralized water treatment project to help offset long-term cost increases.
Varney recommended the city not get involved financially, until it knows what the state does.
The water to be treated would come from Guernsey Reservoir, according to Schaff, who said the original study on the proposal was performed
in 2010.
“It was done to evaluate a long term solution concerning the cost effectiveness of such a project,” Schaff said. The project is 110 miles long, from Guernsey to Bridgeport, Neb.
“It’s a quality issue, not quantity,” Schaff emphasized. “We’re looking for a cost effective solution.”
Schaff said surface water sources are preferred because it is more cost effective to treat surface water. Moving ground water through pipelines, however, would not be cost effective.
The plan’s original concept had a projected maximum price tag of approximately $350 million. However, the final cost will be determined by the design. Schaff said meetings will be held for public input and to answer questions before any action
is taken.
A copy of Resolution No. 2017-12 may be found on the City of Torrington website.
In other action during Tuesday evening’s meeting, the Council:
n Approved a re-allocation of consensus grant money in the amount of $1,291, as part of a partnership with Goshen County.
• Approved catering permits for Patrick Zimmerer with Table Mountain Vineyards for a Goshen County Economic Development Annual Meeting/Awards Celebration on Oct. 27, at 2007 Main St., the former D&B Furniture building. Three more catering permits were granted to Zimmerer for a Farm Girls Boutique Holiday Open House, Nov. 2-4, at 21st
& Main.
• Adjourned to a public hearing, during which there were no comments from the public, then approved transfer of a restaurant liquor license from Deacon’s Restaurant former owners Dan and Tracy Bevins to new owners, Hai-Dang Lam-Pham and Quynh Huynh. During his presentation to the Council, Bevins said he and his wife had operated the Main Street establishment for 21 years.
• Approved a final plat of the Ernst Subdivision for property at 537 East 17th Ave. It is northwest of the Highway 85 bypass next to the Maverick convenience store. Changes were made to accommodate easier access for city and emergency vehicles.
• Approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing R-2 zoning at 1942 East P Street. The action will eventually permit construction of homes on the land at the corner of East P Street and 20th Avenue, west of
the airport.
•Approved a proclamation designating November 2017 as National American Indian Heritage Month.
Final action of the one-hour meeting was the approval of bills from
Oct. 4-17.
The next Torrington City Council meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 7.