Council backs Emery Towns efforts to pursue water storage and funding

Mistie Christiansen told the Emery County Public Lands Council on June 2 that Emery Town and the Muddy Creek Irrigation Company face significant challenges because of limited culinary water storage and ongoing drought conditions. She reviewed prior feasibility work for the Morris Bend Reservoir, discussed possible rehabilitation of Spinner Reservoir, and outlined existing pipeline improvements that have reduced losses.

Council members agreed to work with Christiansen and county representatives to draft a formal letter of support to help Emery Town explore funding and long-term water-storage solutions. Kim McFarlane moved to support Emery Towns efforts; Leon seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Key near-term items include a collaborative planning meeting scheduled for June 18 at 4:00 p.m. at the Emery Senior Citizens Center (meeting location change noted at the June 2 meeting). Christiansen asked that the Governor's Office, the Conservation District, elected officials, and relevant agencies be invited to participate and that attendees focus both on immediate drought response and long-term storage solutions.

Council members discussed possible development of additional water-storage facilities, rehabilitation of existing reservoirs, and past pipeline projects; they asked staff and partners to help identify funding opportunities. Several members recommended including technical expertise (hydrologists or water-resource engineers) in future discussions to clarify groundwater and storage feasibility.

The council's vote directs staff to coordinate with Emery Town on a draft support letter and to prepare for the June 18 planning meeting.