FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Laramie City Council Repeals Surface Water Utility Fee; Commits to Collaborative Statewide Solutions for Critical Infrastructure

LARAMIE, WY – During its regular meeting on April 7, 2026, the Laramie City Council voted on third and final reading to repeal Laramie Municipal Code 13.80, effectively dissolving the Surface Water Drainage Utility Fund. This decision aligns Laramie with the City of Cheyenne and the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) in a unified effort to seek a comprehensive, statewide framework for surface stormwater management.

By rescinding the utility fee, the Laramie City Council has signaled its commitment to working alongside the Wyoming Legislature and local stakeholders to address the growing challenges of drainage infrastructure without the uncertainty of a municipality-by-municipality fee structure.

"Stormwater management is not just a local convenience, but an issue of public safety and environmental stewardship," said Sharon Cumbie, Laramie Mayor. "While our immediate local fee is being repealed, the reality of our infrastructure needs remains. We are choosing to step back from the utility fee structure and are exploring alternate sources of funding for the time being. We look forward to collaborating with our state partners to ensure that whatever funding mechanism we use in the future is sustainable and legally certain for all municipalities of the Cowboy State."

Laramie’s drainage system is a complex network involving over 60 miles of underground pipes, 25 detention ponds, and natural arteries like Spring Creek and the Laramie River. This infrastructure protects thousands of homes and businesses from flash flooding and prevents the accelerated erosion that leads to costly road repairs and potholes. In areas such as West Laramie, the need for modernized drainage remains a top priority for city planners to ensure long-term neighborhood viability.

Laramie joins the Wyoming Association of Municipalities in the belief that local leaders are uniquely qualified to manage these systems, but that a collaborative approach with the Legislature will provide the necessary clarity to move forward. The City of Laramie looks forward to participating in upcoming legislative sessions to develop a funding model that empowers Laramie to protect its streets, its property owners, and the health of the Laramie River watershed.

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