In the 2002 Fifth Special Session of the Legislature, the Gubernatorial and Legislative Alternative Revenue Sources for Water Funding Task Force was created. The purpose of this task force was to make recommendations on alternative revenue sources for funding current and future water and wastewater needs and report findings to the State Water Development Commission and to the Natural Resources, Agriculture,
and Environment Interim Committee by November 30, 2003.
On September 16, 2003 the task force made its conclusions and recommendations to the Water Development Commission. These included:
- Current levels of funding for water, wastewater and storm water projects are inadequate to meet projected needs.
- 1/16% of sales tax revenues (approximately $16.45 million in FY2002) are currently appropriated to the state water loan programs. This funding source should be maintained and augmented.
- Utah cannot afford to neglect water development given its projected population growth.
- Rural development is particularly dependent on state-managed water funding.
- Efforts must continue in educating Utah citizens about prudent conservation methods.
- Better land development codes must be enacted to protect valuable water resources and pass along the costs of new water infrastructure to those who will benefit.
- Institutional,