The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is set to receive $3 and 5 million from the Bureau of Reclamation for drought mitigation projects in the Colorado River Basin, according to Amy Haas, director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah.
Funding source and project scope
The funding, sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act, will support several projects in eastern Utah after a period of frozen spending. As Moab Times reported, Reclamation recently notified Haas that four of 11 previously approved projects would receive funds.
Price River dam construction details
The $35 million allocation includes approximately $28.1 million for drought mitigation in the lower Price River. This funding will facilitate the construction of a new dam and reservoir to replace the existing Olsen Reservoir, a move intended to improve water quality and stream flow.
Additional habitat restoration initiatives
Other funded initiatives include $2.6 million for drought resiliency and restoration along Huntington Creek to improve habitat for native species, such as the Colorado River cutthroat trout. Additionally, about $2.75 million will be used to reduce sediment erosion in tributaries to Scofield Reservoir, and $1.4 million is earmarked for a voluntary water lease program in the Price River Basin.
Awaiting specific award distribution timing
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stated via email that while the funds have been allocated, Reclamation has not yet communicated specific award amounts or distribution timing.
Annual fishing competition launch
In addition to these conservation efforts, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has launched its 16th annual Fishing With The Fox competition. The event, held in partnership with The Fox 98.5 FM radio station, features tagged rainbow and tiger trout stocked at Spirit Lake, Big Sand Wash Reservoir, and East Park Reservoir.
Fishing competition licensing requirements
The division noted that participants in the fishing competition must possess a valid Utah fishing or combination license for those aged 12 and older.
