Matheson Uintah County Water Bill Re-Introduced

Press Release

Congressman Jim Matheson today renewed his effort to help a rural Utah county's water needs. He reintroduced legislation on behalf of the Uintah Water Conservancy District. An identical bill passed the House last session of Congress, but was not taken up by the Senate.

"Allowing the Uintah County water district to repay money ahead of schedule benefits taxpayers and water users in the county," said Matheson. "It will also help better manage and utilize water for the benefit of economic growth."

The Uintah Water Conservancy District includes most of Uintah County. It has managed the Vernal and Jensen Units--part of the Central Utah Project--since 1956. Water is utilized by both municipalities, irrigators and manufacturing in the county. The water district asked the Bureau of Reclamation to be allowed to make prepayments on the amounts it owes to the government, which it estimates would reduce the costs of the water. Current law does not allow for prepayment.

Matheson said the bill shortens the payment schedule from 2037 to 2022.

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