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Utah Geological Survey wins $1.75 million for geothermal work; federal grant pauses largely resolved
Summary
Acting UGS director Darlene Patashian told the board that the Legislature approved $1.75 million for a geothermal initiative, state general funds were sustained and previously frozen federal contracts were released after a short pause, though some FEMA management costs remain restricted.
Acting UGS Director and State Geologist Darlene Patashian told the Utah Geological Survey Board on April 16 that the agency emerged from the legislative session with a mix of wins and lingering federal uncertainty. The Legislature approved a $1,750,000 appropriation for an initiative the agency calls Operation Gigawatt to support geothermal investigations, she said, in addition to the agency's base general-fund appropriation.
Why it matters: The line-item allocation — smaller than UGS’s original request but described by Darlene as substantial — funds new equipment and field work intended to advance geothermal and related energy-resource mapping in Utah. Darlene said the appropriation will pay for items including a GeoProbe and that staff are beginning a work plan for the geothermal investigations.
Details from the meeting: Darlene said the…
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