Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics & Public Service

Utah Water Finance Agency (“UWFA”), a pooled capital improvement financing program, was formed on September 26, 1996 for the purpose of financing or refinancing various water and wastewater projects and certain hydroelectric projects of UWFA members, (Alpine City, Cedar City,  Centerville City, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Heber City, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District,  Metropolitan Water District of Pleasant Grove City,  Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy, Orem City, Roy Water Conservancy Subdistrict, South Jordan City, South Valley Sewerage District,  St. George City, Timpanogas Special Service District, Tooele City, Uintah Water Conservancy District, Washington County Water Conservancy District, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Weber-Box Elder Conservation District, West Jordan City, and White City Water Improvement District). Participating members receive loans out of the proceeds of various Project Bonds,

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,

“We All Live Downstream” Water Awareness Campaign 1995 Salt Lake County began the “We All Live Downstream” campaign in 1993 prior to the the UPDES Stormwater Phase I permit being issued to Salt Lake County. Educational information was prepared including a brochure “Protecting Utah’s Environment” for the purpose of promoting storm water education and information to the public and the regulated community. Television commercials were aired on local channels to increase awareness of the fact that stormwater flows to streams without any treatment. A three fish logo was developed by the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition.