Utah awards $50M for Great Salt Lake water projects and habitat restoration

The Great Salt Lake Advisory Council meeting on July 9, 2025, unveiled a significant funding opportunity aimed at revitalizing the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $50 million to the commissioner's office, a move that promises to enhance water delivery and habitat restoration efforts in the region.

The funding, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is divided into three main project categories. The first focuses on voluntary water transactions, seeking large-scale water leases of at least 1,000 acre-feet to temporarily bolster the lake's water levels. The second category emphasizes system conservation, targeting infrastructure improvements that can lead to water savings dedicated to the lake. Lastly, the third category aligns with the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust, supporting ecosystem and habitat restoration projects.

Applications for these funds will open on July 15 and remain available until September 15, with grant recipients expected to be announced in November. Notably, there is no matching fund requirement, making this an accessible opportunity for various stakeholders, including agricultural producers and conservation groups.

The council highlighted the importance of projects that ensure a reasonable delivery of water to the lake, with a preference for shovel-ready initiatives. The funding aims to be fully expended by 2030, emphasizing the urgency of these projects.

In addition to the $50 million, the council also noted a separate $3 million funding opportunity for wetland restoration and protection, set to launch concurrently. This dual announcement is expected to amplify efforts in preserving the vital ecosystems surrounding the Great Salt Lake.

As the council prepares to engage with potential applicants, they are also looking to involve stakeholders in a strategic planning process to enhance collaboration and effectiveness in future initiatives. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding environment.