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House Hearing: $1.25 Million Requested to Launch Bear River Planning
Summary
Presenters told lawmakers that Utah needs immediate funding — $1.25 million was requested — to complete the initial phase of Bear River planning, including site studies, conveyance analysis, environmental data and updated cost estimates; officials said large-scale development could take 10–15 years and cost roughly $250–300 million.
Lawmakers heard pleas from water-district officials and state staff to fund the first phase of planning for development of the Bear River, a multi-decade effort they say is needed to avoid shortages on the Wasatch Front.
An unidentified presenter opened the discussion by describing a 22-person committee that recommended beginning Bear River development and asked the legislature to appropriate $1,250,000 for an initial planning phase covering site selection and conveyance studies. "We need to begin to develop the Bear River," the presenter said, urging urgency and noting that the planning phase can take "10 to 15 years" before construction could begin.
Dave O'Bart, general manager of the Salt Lake County Water Conservancy, told the chamber that Salt Lake County has seen rapid growth for decades and is only just meeting demand with projects now underway.…
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