41-4-504. Endorsement by state engineer; return to applicant; effect of approval or rejection.
The refusal or approval of an application shall be endorsed thereon and a record made of such endorsement in the state engineer's office. The application so endorsed shall be returned to the applicant. If approved, the applicant shall be authorized, on receipt thereof, to proceed with the construction of the necessary works, and to take all steps required to apply the water to a beneficial use, and to perfect the proposed appropriation. If the application is refused, the applicant shall take no steps toward the prosecution of the proposed work, or the diversion and use of the public water so long as such refusal shall continue in force. Any violation of this section, unless exempt under W.S. 41-3-301, shall be punishable pursuant to W.S. 41-3-616(a).