Description

In early 2005 Wyoming’s Governor, concerned with the effects of drought on cattle ranching, developed this initiative to distribute clean and cost effective water pumping technologies to ranchers throughout the State. The initiative, originally funded through the State’s Petroleum Violation Fund, provides selected ranchers with wind and solar powered stock pump systems developed by the University of Wyoming Electric Motor Training and Testing Center, allowing ranchers to reach underground water supplies in remote areas of their ranches.

The Governor’s Office, working closely with the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, selects ranchers among applications solicited through local conservation districts. As of July 2005, 73 ranchers (among all 23 counties) have been awarded the solar and wind power pumps through two phases of the initiative.

While the second round for applications closed June 5, 2005, the Governor’s Office, which is seeking matching grant funds, hopes to announce additional rounds in the future.

Each rancher receiving a pilot pump is asked to provide such services as concrete pads for the pump or fencing the system. They will also be expected to allow public access to the solar- or wind-powered stock water pumps for demonstrations.