Senate consents to Kent L. Jones as state engineer; nominee pledges to work with Division of Water Rights staff

The Utah Senate on the floor consented to several of Governor John M. Huntsman Jr.'s appointments, including Kent L. Jones as State Engineer. The Senate recorded 24 yea votes, 0 nays and 5 absences on the consent action, approving the governor's nominees for various boards and committees.

Jones, introduced by Senator Stowell, told the chamber he was honored by the confirmation and introduced family in the gallery. "I'm thankful for your vote of support. I'm looking forward to this position," Jones said, praising the Division of Water Rights staff as "the reason that we are successful" and saying he looked forward to working with them.

Senators who spoke after the introduction noted the difficulty and public importance of the state-engineer role. Senator Davis called the assignment "probably no tougher job in all of state government" and welcomed Jones to the position; other members thanked Stowell and the confirmation committee for a thorough review.

The confirmation followed a national search by the Department of Natural Resources in which the field was narrowed to two finalists who were interviewed by the governor and the department director. The Senate previously received a favorable recommendation from the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Confirmation Committee for Jones's confirmation.

Procedurally, the body momentarily resolved into the Committee of the Whole to hear remarks from Jones and then returned to open session, dissolving the committee by voice vote.

The Senate also recorded and approved other gubernatorial appointees transmitted in the same communication. The confirmed appointments will be transmitted to the House as appropriate.