House approves concurrent approval for $15.3 million federal grant to protect desert tortoise habitat

The Utah House on May 24 approved House Joint Resolution 301, clearing the way for the Department of Natural Resources to seek and accept federal Endangered Species Act Section 6 funds to acquire property in desert tortoise habitat north of St. George in Washington County.

Representative David Clark, the resolution’s sponsor, told the House the federal grant request — reflected in a fiscal note of roughly $15.3 million — would require concurrent legislative approval because the executive branch is seeking federal grants in excess of $10,000,000. Clark said the state would provide an in‑kind match in the form of property already held by state entities and described cooperative management involving Washington County, the Bureau of Land Management and the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Opponents pressed Clark on ownership and long‑term costs. Representative Farrin asked who currently holds title to the parcels and warned that accepting federal funds could leave the state or Washington County with ongoing maintenance bills; Farrin said he was “not comfortable” approving the resolution without clearer fiscal commitments. Clark replied the current Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) has set aside approximately 62,000 acres and that costs for management are principally funded through Washington County (building‑permit fees and a small percentage of assessed valuation) under the existing reserve structure.

Representative Noel urged passage, saying Section 6 funds return a portion of federal spending to the county where impacts occur and argued that protecting habitat while permitting growth elsewhere is the practical policy. Representative Erkhart described habitat conservation plans as a tool that permits development outside core habitat areas and said Section 6 monies are intended for property acquisitions in precisely these circumstances.

Representative Holdaway successfully called the previous question to end debate. HJR 301 passed 62‑yes to 7‑no and will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.

What the resolution does and next steps The resolution authorizes legislative concurrence so the Department of Natural Resources may accept federal Section 6 funds to acquire land in the desert tortoise habitat area. The measure does not itself appropriate state operating dollars; Clark and others said existing county funding streams have been used to manage the reserve. If the grant is accepted, further administrative steps — including ownership transfer details and any memorandum of understanding with county or state agencies — will be carried out by the Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Wildlife Resources.

— Representative David Clark introduced the resolution; Representative Farrin, Representative Noel and Representative Erkhart were among those who debated it. The resolution passed and will be transmitted to the Senate.