Board adopts long-range capital plan and approves tentative FY2026 budget; projects include state park repairs, signage and life-jacket stations

The Utah Lake Authority board approved a long-range capital plan and adopted a tentative fiscal year 2026 budget at a public meeting.

Sam (operations) presented the long-range capital plan, which lists projects the authority expects to pursue and to help fund over the coming decade. Key items include improvements at Utah Lake State Park (asphalt repair, jetty repairs, potential dock slips and a storage shed), replacement of a 25-year-old marina septic pump via a Clean Vessel Act grant, a program of life-jacket loaner stations (with an immediate replacement planned at Vineyard Beach), upgrades to marina camera networks, lakewide signage planning and a modest authority contribution to trail construction segments identified in the Recreation Access Plan.

Sam emphasized the plan is not a guarantee of spending; the document establishes authorizations and priorities so staff can pursue grants and coordinate partner contributions. "This document does not mean we will spend this money. It means we're allowed to spend this money for these purposes," Sam said.

The board approved the long-range capital plan. Members asked staff to provide more detail on trail segment selection and on how the authority’s monies would be used to leverage larger construction grants.

The board also opened and closed a public hearing on the authority’s tentative FY2026 budget and then adopted the tentative budget. Staff described the FY2026 draft as preliminary and subject to changes before final adoption in May; staff said several large appropriations remain uncertain because they depend on federal budget and grant decisions.

Board members emphasized that the term "tentative" signals the plan will be refined during the next budget cycle and that staff will return with updates as grant decisions and internal planning proceed.