H-2-Whoa: 2023 General Session Investments in Water Management

Whether addressing the issue of having too much or too little water, recent hydrologic conditions of the state have kept law makers on their toes. Last year, the state made several large investments focused on mitigating drought conditions and increasing conservation, of which $450 million was funded by the American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA) and roughly $55 million was from the General Fund. During the 2023 General Session, legislators were inundated with bills and funding requests aimed at increasing the state’s ability to adapt to an unpredictable water cycle. The table below shows funding items (which may be associated with legislation), including the amount and funding source. The items are linked to their entry in COBI.

Several bills were also passed that impact water management, which may not have included an appropriation (in the list above):

There are also a number of existing water-related funding programs in the state (some of which were supplemented by items listed above). This year’s record breaking snowpack provides policymakers and water managers alike with a unique set of challenges, distinct from the issues faced in previous water years. Our last post summarized emergency-response funding available to address above average flows as the weather warms up. While it remains to be seen how this year’s runoff will impact the state, it’s clear that the Legislature has been actively working to respond to the water woes facing Utah.