Committee forwards Hyde Park Mayor Brian Cox to full Senate for drinking water board seat

The Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Confirmation Committee voted unanimously to forward Brian Cox, mayor of Hyde Park City, to the full Senate as a nominee to the Utah Division of Drinking Water board.

Cox described his municipal experience managing rapid population growth in Cache Valley, including construction of a new water tank, updated distribution and conservation strategies such as tiered rates and landscape codes. “We just didn't have it in the right place,” Cox said of prior infrastructure; he described installing new lines and a tank to move water where development requires it.

Committee members emphasized the board’s role in protecting water safety as well as supply. Senator Ravey noted testing and contaminant monitoring in schools and communities; Cox replied his city conducts regular testing and that the staff are evaluating water-right allocation across residential, commercial and industrial users to support balanced growth. Nathan Lundstad, director of the Division of Drinking Water, spoke in support of Cox’s appointment, citing his municipal background in Cache County and endorsing him as a good fit for the board. Senator Reeb moved that the committee recommend Cox favorably to the full Senate; the motion passed unanimously.

The committee’s action was a recommendation only; no regulatory changes or funding decisions were made at the hearing. Cox’s nomination proceeds to the full Senate for confirmation.