The Department of the Interior revealed their plan Jan. 18 for the Central Utah Project’s enforcement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
From fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026, Utah will receive $50 million to support projects in the Central Utah Project Completion Act (CUPCA), a DOI press release stated.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant funding to help address growing challenges associated with drought and climate change throughout the West," Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo said in the release. “I’m very pleased that we are able to expeditiously provide this additional funding to accelerate the construction of the Central Utah Project water delivery system, and complete additional restoration projects that will benefit threatened species and provide access to nature and recreation opportunities for Utah communities.”
The funds are being set aside to support projects already in the works including the Sixth Water Flow Control Structure, the Utah Lake System and Fish and Wildlife mitigation, according to the release. The Central Utah Project is being constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Combined, the projects represent the biggest water resources development initiative ever taken on in Utah, according to the BOR. A total of $40 million is planned to be used in the Central Utah Project Completion Account and $10 million is being allocated for the Mitigation and Conservation Account.
The DOI hopes the funding will hasten completion of the project and bring safe, reliable drinking water to the communities of Central Utah, the release stated.
