Newsletter - Protecting Our Water Resources

Statement

Dear Friend,

From the arrival of the pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley, development of water resources for the benefit of Utahns has always been a critical priority for our state. Utah is the second most arid state in the country. We benefit today from the vision and foresight of previous generations who took steps to secure our water. It is our responsibility to maintain this stewardship so that future generations will also enjoy access to adequate water supplies.

A major source of water for our state, and for many of our local communities, is the Central Utah Project, or CUP. The CUP was authorized in 1956 to develop and utilize Utah's share of Colorado River water resources. More recently, in 1992, the Central Utah Project Completion Act was enacted by Congress - moving all planning, construction and management from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Central Utah Water Conservancy District.

For nearly as long as the Central Utah Project has existed, our state has fought hard to protect our necessary water resources in an increasingly more populated Western United States. As Utahns we have often gone toe-to-toe with the executive branch, and at times the President of the United States to make sure our state receives fair treatment, promised funding and access to precious water resources. In fact, one of my father's greatest legacies as governor was standing up to Jimmy Carter when the President proposed the elimination of the CUP.

President Obama has taken up a similar effort to stop any new construction in the CUP. I, and the rest of the Utah congressional delegation, worked to successfully maintain the CUP last year, and we are taking up the fight again this year. Here you will find the letter I sent to the House Appropriations Committee in which I have advocated that the House ignore the President's recommendations and support the CUP.

As we discuss funding priorities this summer in the House of Representatives, the Central Utah Project, and securing reliable and affordable water resources for our state, is of great importance to me. It is an honor to work in Congress on this issue and on behalf of Utah families like yours. As your representative, I always appreciate hearing your thoughts on current topics as well as your continued suggestions on issues where we have long worked together. In particular, please let me know areas you find especially interesting or where I can provide you with additional information. I value your ideas, and I always look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

U.S. Representative
4th District of Utah

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