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Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake officials report improvements but warn of drought, dust and ongoing litigation; $50 million federal support secured for Great Salt
Summary
Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake representatives told the Executive Appropriations Committee on May 20 that lake salinity and ecological indicators have improved in places but drought, exposed playa, dust and a pending public‑trust lawsuit remain pressing threats.
Officials from the Great Salt Lake Commission and the Utah Lake Authority briefed the Executive Appropriations Committee on May 20, reporting ecological improvements in parts of Great Salt Lake while warning of ongoing drought, dust and legal risks.
Brian Steed, commissioner of the Great Salt Lake, said the lake level was 4,193.3 feet above sea level and noted salinity in the south arm had returned to healthier ranges that support brine shrimp and brine flies. "Salinity on the, on, really positive news has, really rebounded to where we need it to be," Steed told the committee, noting that recovery was an encouraging sign after low levels in 2022.
Steed identified continuing risks: drought across the watershed, exposed playa that produces dust during wind events, and an ongoing…
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