AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.

New state law would create a formal process for local governments, state agencies, tribes, and other local organizations ("local sponsors") to apply to the Board of Water Resources for state funding to build new dams and reservoirs or to expand the capacity of existing reservoirs that have lost storage space due to sediment buildup. The board would evaluate proposals for new water storage projects using specific criteria, including whether water rights exist at the site, whether the project offers a regional or statewide benefit, whether a committed local sponsor will own and maintain it, whether construction could start within five years, and the project's need and affordability; for proposals to expand existing reservoirs, sponsors would need to submit a feasibility study on how to increase capacity. Each year the board would review potential dam sites for eligibility and report its funding recommendations to a legislative appropriations subcommittee by October 1, and the board could also create administrative rules governing the application and recommendation process. Importantly, any recommendations the board makes would not obligate the state or the Legislature to actually approve or spend funding on these projects.