State officials tackle urgent dam safety crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical issues surrounding dam safety and funding for wildlife conservation in Utah. The meeting featured presentations from Theresa Wilhelmsen, state engineer, and Candice Hosseger, director of the Division of Water Resources, who outlined the state's ongoing challenges with high hazard dams and the urgent need for rehabilitation.

Wilhelmsen reported that Utah has 227 high hazard dams, with 107 requiring rehabilitation. Recent incidents, such as the Penguich Lake dam, which experienced significant seepage and cracking, highlighted the immediate risks posed by aging infrastructure. Emergency measures were taken to stabilize the dam, but it remains in need of repair. Similarly, the Coalab reservoir faced issues due to damaged concrete, prompting plans for a spillway replacement.

Funding for these projects is a pressing concern. Hosseger indicated that the estimated cost to upgrade the remaining dams exceeds $440 million, with current funding levels insufficient to address the backlog. The state has applied for federal grants, including a recent allocation of $7.2 million from FEMA, but the need for additional resources remains critical.

The meeting also shifted focus to wildlife conservation, with Jay Shirley, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, discussing the importance of proactive measures to protect non-game species. He emphasized the need for adequate funding to prevent species from being listed as endangered, which incurs additional federal oversight and costs. The state's Species Protection Account, established nearly 30 years ago, currently faces funding challenges, with only $3.2 million available annually.

Shirley noted that while the state has successfully kept several species off the endangered list, ongoing efforts are necessary to manage and protect Utah's diverse wildlife. The discussion underscored the interconnectedness of water resource management and wildlife conservation, as both areas face increasing pressures from population growth and environmental changes.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a commitment to addressing these critical issues, recognizing the importance of infrastructure and ecological health for the future of Utah's communities and natural resources.