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Emery County ratifies letter to NRCS to preserve Jones Valley flood-control classification
Summary
The commission ratified a previously sent letter asking NRCS to treat the PL-566 Jones Valley project as flood control (preserving higher federal cost-share) after NRCS proposed a 65/35 funding split; planning is nearing national review following several years of study.
Emery County commissioners voted April 1 to ratify a letter to the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) arguing that the long-running PL-566 Jones Valley (Joe's Valley) project should be classified and funded as flood control.
County staff and project lead Jay explained the project history: originally scoped in 2018 as flood control with catchment and sediment basins above Orangeville and two structures above Joe's Valley to reduce post-fire sedimentation. Planning has proceeded intermittently; staff said about $4'$5 million has been spent in planning and the project is approaching national review.
Commissioners said NRCS staff had reclassified the work in a way that would reduce the federal share, converting the likely grant from near-100% to an approximate 65/35 cost-share (county share ~35%). The county letter argues the original intent and NRCS rules support flood-control classification; NRCS responded in writing and the county moved to ratify the letter to protect eligibility for larger federal funding.
Several public commenters and the Forest Service'affiliated Darren Olsen acknowledged the project's benefits for sediment control after wildfire but raised concerns about scenic impacts, the need for ongoing maintenance and possible effects on native fish such as bluehead sucker. Jay said the Emery Water Conservancy District would be responsible for long-term maintenance if structures are built and estimated routine hauling of accumulated sediment ("maybe 100 yards a year").
Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to ratify the letter; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (Warwood, Leonard, Jensen recorded as 'Aye'). Jay said the planning package will go out for national review next and that congressional authorization would be needed for construction funding.
Next steps: national review comment period, potential congressional authorization and identification of long-term maintenance responsibilities.
