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Senate advances river-restoration bill to remove invasive plants, boost Great Salt Lake inflow and fund access projects
Summary
Senate Bill 130 would fund invasive-plant removal along the Jordan River to increase flow toward the Great Salt Lake and establish a matching-grant program for municipalities to improve recreational access; the Senate moved the bill to third reading after sponsors discussed funding sources and technical edits.
The Utah Senate moved Senate Bill 130 forward after sponsors described a two-part plan to improve river health and public access along the Jordan River.
Senator Fillmore, presenting the bill, said the measure would remove thirsty, nonnative invasive plants that reduce flow and replace them with native species to help increase water delivered from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. "This bill appropriates some money to clean up the banks of the Jordan River to remove the invasive and non native species and replace those with more native plants that aren't as thirsty," he said. Fillmore also said the bill creates a matching-grant program for cities to build recreational access points such as boat ramps.
Senator Escamilla expressed support, noting visible improvements along the West Side and the cultural benefits of municipal investment. Senator Stratton emphasized both ecological and infrastructure benefits: in high-water years invasive growth has limited the Jordan River's capacity to carry water into the Great Salt Lake.
Sponsors noted the bill currently references funding from money already set aside for river improvements and that an insertion naming the Office of Economic Opportunity is a technical clarification. The Senate voted to read the bill for a third time; the motion passed on the floor (recorded as 28 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent). Further work on funding allocation was expected before final passage.
