Conservation districts brief commissioners on Muddy Creek project and ask Emery County to begin drought declaration process

Ryan Jones, representing the San Rafael and Green River conservation districts and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, updated the Emery County Commission on district activities and funding. Jones outlined projects including canal and dike repairs, a no-till drill rental program and a Muddy Creek Phase 3 project to replace open ditches with pressurized pipeline; he said the Phase 3 work came in at roughly $5,590,000.

Jones asked the commission to initiate the process of declaring a county drought, explaining that a county declaration can help unlock state and federal funding pools for producers—such as the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program, which he described as a five-year loan with two years no interest and a 2.75% rate for the final three years.

Commissioners discussed whether a resolution would be required and whether it should return to the commission agenda for formal action; staff said a resolution was drafted previously and that a county-level declaration keeps funding windows open. The commission did not adopt a declaration at the meeting but acknowledged the districts' request and indicated the matter would be scheduled for formal action and potential ratification.

Why it matters: A local drought declaration can make agricultural operators eligible for emergency funding and loan programs designed to offset costs such as hauling water and buying hay during dry seasons.

What’s next: Staff will follow up with a draft resolution and timeline so the commission can act at a future meeting if warranted.