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Committee hears update on Cove/Jackson Flat reservoir EIS and federal funding push
Summary
Committee members heard a progress update on the Cove (Jackson Flat) reservoir EIS, were told the EIS is in cooperating-agency review with an anticipated public draft and that the project needs a state match plus a large federal funding ask, and discussed timelines to complete design and land acquisition.
KANE COUNTY — Committee members were updated Feb. 18 on the Cove/Jackson Flat reservoir project, where officials said the environmental review is progressing and significant federal funding will be required to proceed to construction.
A member reported the Jackson Flat reservoir is roughly “90% full” and that the EIS was distributed to cooperating agencies for review. “The next step is to go back to the national office for review of plans and specs and or document,” the speaker said, adding that the draft public EIS will follow and that the schedule could lead to construction work next year. The speaker suggested an October target to finish reviews and move toward implementation.
The committee heard that the project has state matching funds (approximately $9–10 million cited in the discussion) and is pursuing about $30 million in federal funds, characterized as a substantial but necessary federal contribution for the proposed watershed work and dam project. House Bill 157 — described as legislation affecting Lower Basin appealability for some water actions — was also mentioned as material to the project’s legal and administrative context.
Speakers noted broad local support and the hiring of NRCS consultants to review final plans; they described coordination with NRCS officials in Washington, D.C., and other federal actors. County representatives said they are actively working to secure funding before the November elections referenced in the discussion.
Next steps identified in the meeting transcript included continued EIS review, public draft circulation, land acquisition at fair market value, and ongoing fundraising and lobbying with state and federal officials.
(Reporting note: dollar figures and timelines are as stated in meeting remarks; spending and schedule remain subject to agency review and appropriation.)
