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Utah Lake Authority approves FY2025 budget after public hearing
Summary
The Utah Lake Authority approved its proposed FY2025 budget following a public hearing May 30. The budget funds continued shoreline restoration, a visitation-count study and reserves multi-year mitigation funding; staff said some grant-dependent amendments may follow.
The Utah Lake Authority voted May 30 to adopt its proposed fiscal year 2025 budget after holding a public hearing. The motion to approve the budget was made by Chris Kern and seconded by Lisa Shepherd; the board voted in favor and the measure passed.
The adopted budget continues funding for shoreline and revegetation work and sets aside funds for several near-term projects staff flagged as priorities. Sam Brager, operations and recreation lead, told the board staff intend to spend remaining one-time legislative appropriations on a visitation analysis (EcoCounter devices at 27 access points), a lakewide signage plan and repairs to access points. The record presented to the board also preserved a $2,000,000 line for mitigation and conservation work; staff said the final uses of that allocation will depend on which mitigation strategy—fee-in-lieu, a mitigation bank or a partnership—proves most viable.
Executive Director Luke Peterson said the budget anticipates increasing grant revenue and program activity. Peterson described plans for market research and a promotional campaign next spring to change public perceptions of Utah Lake, and he noted federal funding efforts tied to a proposed UVU nature center and recreation access improvements.
The board heard public comment before voting; earlier in the meeting Elliot Bach, an outdoor-events organizer, urged the Authority to prioritize water quality and consider Spanish Fork River access improvements. Board members and staff noted the adopted budget may be amended later as grant awards and federal appropriations are finalized.
The board closed the hearing and approved the FY2025 budget as presented. Staff said they will return with any required budget amendments if additional grants or adjustments are needed.
