On water and farms, candidate urges storage, infrastructure planning and tools to keep farmland in production
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Summary
Michelle Cafuzzi told the Utah County Republican Party podcast she favors groundwater storage, careful infrastructure matching for rapid development, and use of conservation tools (greenbelt, agricultural protection zoning) to keep farms viable amid development pressure.
Michelle Cafuzzi emphasized water storage and protection of agricultural land as priorities if elected to the county commission.
On water, Cafuzzi said local policy should prioritize capturing runoff and replenishing aquifers: "We've gotta grab our water and put it protect it. Get it in the ground because groundwater is where it's at," she said, arguing stored groundwater is more useful than permitting runoff to Utah Lake where much evaporates. She acknowledged different hydrology across the county and urged listening to local municipal leaders when shaping county responses to drought and development.
On farmland, Cafuzzi and participants discussed existing local tools to preserve agricultural uses, including limited‑term agricultural protection zoning and greenbelt tax status that reduces property tax burdens for farms. A participant described a case (Pioneer Crossing) where road routing reflected landowners' choice not to sell, demonstrating how zoning and negotiated protections can preserve farmland while limiting some development efficiency.
Cafuzzi said she would use conservation easements and other tools where landowners want to keep farming and encouraged creative revenue ideas—such as limited commercial uses tied to farming—to help keep family farms viable.
These comments reflect positions and local priorities rather than new regulations. The commission would need to propose, vote on and implement any formal land‑use changes or water projects through the usual public processes.
