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Utah Lake Authority seeks federal and state funds for invasive species and recreation; staff report highlights new hires and projects
Summary
Executive director Luke Peterson told the board he met with federal lawmakers seeking funds for invasive species work and recreation enhancements, introduced two new staff hires, and reviewed planning and projects including grants for state park repairs, a life-jacket station replacement and development of a Utah Lake research library.
Utah Lake Authority Executive Director Luke Peterson updated the board on federal funding requests, internal staffing changes and several active and planned projects.
Peterson said he and the authority’s lobbyist met with members of Utah’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to pursue two major requests: a programmatic request to secure $5,000,000 for the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (URMCC) to support invasive species work such as carp control and phragmites management, and a $4,500,000 request for recreation enhancements. "We're hoping to secure an extra 5,000,000 for your MCC this year that we can use on invasive species," Peterson said.
Peterson told the board the authority is concerned the June sucker’s federal status change, from endangered to threatened, has reduced federal funding availability for related work and that the proposed URMCC request would help fill that gap.
The director introduced two recent hires: Shelby Kozak as development director (grants and fundraising) and Kelly Cannon O'Day as communications and events lead. Kozak, who has experience working with federal grants and nonprofit fundraising, described a primary focus on diversifying revenue through gifts, sponsorships and grants and said the authority is targeting $1,000,000 in private donations in the coming year to help the planned nature center.
On projects, Peterson and operations staff described grant applications already submitted: a Clean Vessel Act grant to replace a 25-year-old marina pump at Utah Lake State Park, and a boating access grant for jetty and asphalt repairs and potential dock work. Sam (operations) said the state-level review approved the project with a modest reduction; federal approval remains pending.
Operations staff also reviewed planning efforts including a lakewide signage plan, a master plan for Utah Lake State Park in Provo (seeking technical assistance funding from the Division of Outdoor Recreation), coordination on a lakewide trail alignment with municipalities and a grant application to the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program to provide planning assistance.
The board heard about damage at Vineyard Beach after a wind event: ice pushed onto the beach damaged a life-jacket loaner station and pavilion railing. Staff said they are hiring a handyman to install a redesigned station within 30 to 45 days.
Staff also reported work with BYU interns to document the authority’s programs, and an effort to digitize and host a Utah Lake library in partnership with UVU’s Fulton Library to make historical plans and research widely accessible.
On a property dispute and trail project called Walker Way, staff said they retained mediator Susan Podziba to negotiate with landowners and government agencies; mediation is scheduled to continue with a goal of finalizing trail alignment by April 30 and concluding mediation by June 30 when possible.
Peterson solicited the board’s help in Washington: board members asked to be notified when the congressional offices are able to engage fully so they can support outreach. Several board members praised Peterson’s efforts and said the authority’s federal relationships were opening funding opportunities.
