Committee holds S.B. 250 after wide public push to redirect Bear River funds to Great Salt Lake
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Summary
Sponsor sought authority to use statutory Bear River development funds to acquire water and match private investments to benefit the Great Salt Lake; the committee heard extensive public testimony in favor but voted to hold the bill 5–1 to allow further stakeholder work with the Great Salt Lake Commission and others.
Senate Bill 250, which would allow the state to use funds currently dedicated to Bear River development to purchase or lease water and otherwise support actions that increase inflows to the Great Salt Lake, drew large public turnout and vigorous debate in the Senate Natural Resources committee.
Sponsor arguments: The bill’s sponsor told the committee that the Bear River diversion proposal is likely decades away and that leaving taxpayer money idle in a dedicated account makes little sense while the Great Salt Lake continues to decline. He said S.B. 250 would not raise taxes or create new programs but would authorize use of existing statutory funds to lease or purchase water and to match private investments that are already aimed at helping the lake.
Public testimony: The committee heard extensive pro‑bill testimony from youth activists, environmental groups and residents who said the lake’s exposed bed risks public health (dust containing heavy metals such as arsenic was cited) and economic activity (tourism and mineral extraction). Witnesses noted a private $200 million commitment to the Great Salt Lake Rising initiative and asked the state to match private funds to act now rather than wait for a distant Bear River project. Hannah Fries, deputy commissioner at the Great Salt Lake Commissioner's Office, said the office had not yet worked with the sponsor on the bill but offered to engage.
Committee debate: Some senators praised the urgency but argued the bill needed more vetting with the Legislative Water Development Commission and with technical experts. Senator Stratton moved to table the bill and later amended the motion to 'hold' the bill to allow additional work; proponents objected that tabling could kill the initiative. After debate the committee held S.B. 250 (chair announced the motion to hold passed 5–1), keeping it in committee for further stakeholder consultation.
What happens next: The committee’s hold preserves the bill for future consideration; supporters said they will work with the Great Salt Lake Commission, the Legislative Water Development Commission and agricultural stakeholders to refine the measure and possible earmarks for ag water optimization.