Compendium of Budget Information for the 2009 General Session

Natural Resources
Appropriations Subcommittee
Subcommittee Table of Contents

Agency: Natural Resources

Line Item: Water Resources

Function

WATER RESOURCES OPERATIONS

The Division of Water Resources is the water resource authority for the state, assuring the orderly planning, development and protection of Utah's water. It does this through conservation, planning and financial assistance programs.

WATER RESOURCES CAPITAL

Given that Utah has the second lowest annual precipitation of any state, residents throughout history have been compelled to adjust to limited water resources or develop more water. As the demand for water has grown, the Legislature has established various loan funds to provide funding for water development.

Five state boards currently direct the various loan programs of the state. These are the Water Resources Board, the Water Quality Board, the Drinking Water Board, the Permanent Community Impact Board, and the Soil Conservation Commission. It has been estimated that these state funding sources have been funding approximately 20% of the state's water and wastewater development needs. All of the state water boards require water conservation plans as a condition of financing. The Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee oversees the Water Resources Board and the Soil Conservation Commission.

The Water Resources Board manages three loan funds:

  • The Revolving Construction Fund, established in 1947,
  • The Cities Water Loan Fund, established in 1974, and
  • The Conservation and Development Fund, established in 1978

Beginning in FY 1998, legislation directed a portion of revenues from a 1/16 percent sales tax to be deposited in the Conservation and Development Fund (see Sales Tax Distribution Chart). More information on the use of the sales tax money can be found in the Conservation and Development Fund section.

The Water Resources Board has a goal to reduce the year 2000 per capita water consumption in Utah by at least 25% before year 2050. If this can be accomplished, it would provide the same benefit as development of 450,000 acre feet of water per year, savings estimated to be over one billion dollars.

Statutory Authority

Division Operation

The following laws govern operations of the Division:

  • UCA 73-10-1.5 creates the Board of Water Resources within DNR as the policy-making body of the Division. The board has eight members.
  • UCA 73-10-5 requires the board to cause plans and cost estimates to be prepared for construction projects it selects. It can enter into contracts if funding availability is certified by the Division of Finance.
  • UCA 73-10-8 creates the revolving Water Resources Construction Fund. Revenues come from appropriations, repayments, money from the 500,000 acres of trust land designated for reservoirs at statehood, charges to water users, and interest. Uses include developing water conservation projects (including related expenses), and issuing loans or grants for dam safety projects. Repayment of related costs (engineering, etc.) should be paid back first and deposited in a sub-account known as the Investigation Account. Loans to dam owners must be secured by taking water rights.
  • UCA 73-10-18 creates the Division of Water Resources in DNR. Subject to the board, the Division can make studies, plan for full development and utilization of the state's water, initiate investigations to develop the state water plan, and file applications in the state's name for water rights.
  • UCA 73-10-22 creates the Cities Water Loan Fund. Loans may be made to benefit cities, towns, or districts.
  • UCA 73-10-24 creates the Conservation and Development (C&D) Fund, to be administered by the board. It may be used for construction, operation, and maintenance of projects considered by the board to be outside the scope of financing by the Construction Fund.
  • UCA 73-10-25.1 allows the board to enter into credit enhancements and interest buy-down agreements to enhance the ability of political subdivisions to obtain funding.
  • UCA 73-10-27 requires C&D projects to be in the public interest and adequately designed. Priority for funds is given to: State or political subdivisions; Critical local needs; Projects with greater economic feasibility; Projects which will yield revenue within a reasonable time or interest rate.
  • UCA 73-10-31 requires that at least ten percent of the combined funding from the three loan funds be for credit enhancements and interest buy-downs.
  • UCA 73-10-32 requires the Division to help water providers prepare and adopt a water conservation plan. The board must provide guidelines. The board must publish the non-compliers in a newspaper and cannot give public funds to them.
  • UCA 73-23-3 requires the Division to provide for the construction, operation and maintenance of the West Desert Pumping Project.
  • UCA 73-26-104 directs the Division to develop the surface waters of the Bear River.
  • UCA 73-28-201 directs the board to construct, own, maintain, and operate the Lake Powell Pipeline project.

Division Capital

UCA 73-10-1 includes policy statements regarding the value and need for a revolving fund.

Intent Language

    Under the terms of UCA 63-38-8.1, the Legislature intends not to lapse Item 190, Chapter 1, Laws of Utah 2007. Expenditures of these funds is limited to: Computer Equipment/Software $30,000; Employee Training/Incentives $10,000; Equipment/Supplies $10,000; Special Projects/Studies $30,000; Printing and Binding $15,000; Other Contractual & Professional Services $30,000; Water Conservation Materials/Education $10,000; Conventions and Workshops $5,000; Postage and Mailing $2,000.

Funding Detail

The operating budget is funded primarily from the General Fund and transfers from the Conservation and Development (C&D) Fund. The amount transferred from the C&D fund to the Operating Budget is used to pay the engineering and other operating costs of the Construction Program and the Water Conservation/Education Program.

The capital budget consists of the following three revolving loan funds:

  • Cities Water Loan Fund,
  • Revolving Construction Fund, and
  • Conservation and Development Fund.

More detail on these funds will be provided later in this chapter.

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $2,460,000 $2,602,400 $2,796,000 $2,920,100 $2,970,300
General Fund, One-time $13,400 $38,000 $37,100 $0 $150,000
Federal Funds $64,500 $0 $72,800 $17,800 $0
Dedicated Credits Revenue $28,000 $29,800 $150,400 $150,000 $150,000
Water Resources C&D $1,957,400 $2,071,700 $2,481,100 $2,679,400 $2,808,100
Water Res Construction $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Beginning Nonlapsing $40,300 $14,200 $37,400 $17,600 $0
Closing Nonlapsing ($14,200) ($37,400) ($17,600) ($1,400) $0
Lapsing Balance ($17,800) $0 ($293,800) ($239,500) ($150,000)
Total
$4,681,600
$4,868,700
$5,413,400
$5,694,000
$6,078,400
 
Programs:
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Administration $375,200 $423,400 $449,500 $430,500 $493,500
Board $36,800 $29,300 $38,600 $30,200 $31,900
Interstate Streams $281,400 $294,000 $301,300 $317,300 $313,300
Planning $1,800,000 $1,883,700 $2,107,600 $2,150,300 $2,259,900
Cloudseeding $171,700 $150,000 $190,400 $210,500 $300,000
City Loans Administration $64,300 $0 $0 $0 $0
Construction $1,725,700 $1,911,500 $2,140,500 $2,373,900 $2,486,600
Water Conservation/Education $166,600 $159,900 $144,100 $171,400 $182,600
West Desert Ops $4,300 $8,700 $10,300 $9,900 $10,600
Cooperative Water Conservation $55,600 $8,200 $31,100 $0 $0
Total
$4,681,600
$4,868,700
$5,413,400
$5,694,000
$6,078,400
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $3,510,200 $3,643,400 $3,941,800 $4,229,100 $4,738,500
In-State Travel $51,600 $46,700 $56,300 $62,700 $53,100
Out of State Travel $30,600 $43,700 $37,000 $39,000 $34,800
Current Expense $538,600 $556,100 $776,300 $771,700 $619,800
DP Current Expense $123,900 $106,000 $128,900 $123,800 $110,800
DP Capital Outlay $8,400 $11,900 $0 $0 $0
Other Charges/Pass Thru $418,300 $460,900 $473,100 $467,700 $521,400
Total
$4,681,600
$4,868,700
$5,413,400
$5,694,000
$6,078,400
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 47.7 47.6 47.6 47.1 53.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Administration

Function

Administration provides leadership and support to the other programs in the Division. This program also includes budget, accounting, and public information functions.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $373,400 $422,100 $445,000 $430,500 $338,500
General Fund, One-time $3,100 $0 $4,500 $0 $150,000
Water Resources C&D $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,000
Beginning Nonlapsing $0 $1,300 $0 $0 $0
Closing Nonlapsing ($1,300) $0 $0 $0 $0
Total
$375,200
$423,400
$449,500
$430,500
$493,500
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $323,600 $346,100 $356,400 $370,700 $413,700
In-State Travel $5,100 $5,900 $3,300 $1,600 $3,300
Out of State Travel $5,100 $11,000 $9,300 $9,200 $9,300
Current Expense $22,200 $48,900 $68,400 $25,500 ($3,100)
DP Current Expense $19,200 $11,500 $12,100 $23,500 $11,800
Other Charges/Pass Thru $0 $0 $0 $0 $58,500
Total
$375,200
$423,400
$449,500
$430,500
$493,500
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 4.9 5.1 4.6 4.4 5.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Board

Function

The board oversees comprehensive water planning, protection of rights to interstate waters, and management of water resource project construction programs. The board consists of eight members, with no more than four from the same political party. One member is appointed from each major drainage basin.

Statutory Authority

Created under UCA 73-10-1.5, the board is the policy-making body of the Division.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $36,800 $29,300 $38,600 $30,200 $31,900
Total
$36,800
$29,300
$38,600
$30,200
$31,900
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $11,600 $9,400 $12,800 $9,600 $11,900
In-State Travel $18,100 $14,300 $18,600 $15,900 $15,800
Out of State Travel $1,600 $1,900 $2,800 $1,100 $1,600
Current Expense $5,500 $3,700 $4,400 $3,600 $2,600
Total
$36,800
$29,300
$38,600
$30,200
$31,900
Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Interstate Streams

Function

Because control of much of Utah's water resources is affected by actions of other states and federal agencies, active participation in selected interstate and state/federal bodies is essential to protect Utah's interests. The Division director serves as Utah's Interstate Streams Commissioner and represents the state on the following organizations:

  • Upper Colorado River Commission
  • Bear River Commission
  • Western States Water Council
  • Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum and Advisory Council
  • Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Work Group
  • Colorado River Management Group

Utah is entitled to about 1.4 million acre-feet per year of Colorado River water, but is currently using approximately 1 million.

The program accounts for dues to those organizations, per diem for commission members, and for one person to monitor and prepare for meetings and negotiations.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $280,900 $294,000 $301,700 $317,300 $313,300
General Fund, One-time $500 $0 ($400) $0 $0
Total
$281,400
$294,000
$301,300
$317,300
$313,300
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $101,200 $109,000 $122,300 $128,400 $134,500
In-State Travel $900 $1,300 $1,700 $800 $1,300
Out of State Travel $20,500 $20,800 $14,900 $19,400 $14,900
Current Expense $2,800 $2,800 $4,200 $3,700 $4,500
DP Current Expense $1,500 $3,500 $1,600 $1,600 $1,500
Other Charges/Pass Thru $154,500 $156,600 $156,600 $163,400 $156,600
Total
$281,400
$294,000
$301,300
$317,300
$313,300
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Planning

Function

The Division is responsible to plan for and encourage the best use of the state's water resources to serve the physical, economic, environmental, and social needs of the people of Utah. This program helps coordinate water resources planning between various governmental agencies; maintains programs with various agencies to obtain streamflow, climatological, SNOTEL and water quality data; develops river basin models for state planning purposes and operational models for specific project feasibility studies.

This program maintains the State Water Plan (updated in 2001) and eleven detailed basin plans covering the state. The plans describe water development opportunities and problems, and make recommendations for the future.

Cooperative studies are performed with the U.S. Geological Survey, the federal Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Utah water user groups (such as cities and water districts) on a cost share basis. These studies provide data for the state water plan.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $1,764,600 $1,848,300 $2,000,400 $2,132,200 $2,259,900
General Fund, One-time $9,800 $38,000 $33,000 $0 $0
Federal Funds $25,000 $0 $72,800 $17,800 $0
Dedicated Credits Revenue $500 $0 $0 $0 $0
Beginning Nonlapsing $100 $0 $2,600 $1,200 $0
Closing Nonlapsing $0 ($2,600) ($1,200) ($900) $0
Total
$1,800,000
$1,883,700
$2,107,600
$2,150,300
$2,259,900
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $1,405,200 $1,357,000 $1,500,500 $1,634,600 $1,822,600
In-State Travel $11,100 $8,200 $8,600 $7,800 $8,600
Out of State Travel $2,100 $8,200 $5,000 $3,300 $4,000
Current Expense $60,200 $139,100 $212,000 $148,100 $64,300
DP Current Expense $57,600 $55,000 $65,000 $52,200 $54,100
DP Capital Outlay $0 $11,900 $0 $0 $0
Other Charges/Pass Thru $263,800 $304,300 $316,500 $304,300 $306,300
Total
$1,800,000
$1,883,700
$2,107,600
$2,150,300
$2,259,900
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 18.8 17.3 18.1 18.0 20.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Cloudseeding

Function

Weather modification is considered a feasible means of augmenting the natural water supply. Utah enacted weather modification legislation in 1973, and an operational cloud seeding program started in 1976. The field program, which usually extends from November to April, is funded jointly by the state and local water interests. Statistical analysis of the cloud seeding program since 1976 has shown an average increase in precipitation of eight to twenty percent. Technological advances and added reservoir storage capacity will hopefully enhance the benefit of this program in the future.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Federal Funds $39,500 $0 $0 $0 $0
Dedicated Credits Revenue $0 $0 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Water Resources C&D $0 $0 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Water Res Construction $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000
Lapsing Balance ($17,800) $0 ($259,600) ($239,500) ($150,000)
Total
$171,700
$150,000
$190,400
$210,500
$300,000
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Current Expense $171,600 $150,000 $190,400 $210,500 $300,000
DP Current Expense $100 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total
$171,700
$150,000
$190,400
$210,500
$300,000
Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Construction

Function

This program provides the technical assistance for managing the three revolving construction fund programs (to be discussed further in the Division's capital budget analysis). Engineers and geologists do investigations of applications, manage construction, and provide general public assistance.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Dedicated Credits Revenue $0 $3,000 $0 $0 $0
Water Resources C&D $1,726,500 $1,911,800 $2,187,000 $2,358,000 $2,486,600
Beginning Nonlapsing $0 $800 $4,100 $16,400 $0
Closing Nonlapsing ($800) ($4,100) ($16,400) ($500) $0
Lapsing Balance $0 $0 ($34,200) $0 $0
Total
$1,725,700
$1,911,500
$2,140,500
$2,373,900
$2,486,600
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $1,487,300 $1,697,600 $1,839,200 $2,000,000 $2,216,900
In-State Travel $13,500 $14,400 $22,000 $33,800 $22,000
Out of State Travel $900 $800 $4,700 $6,000 $4,700
Current Expense $174,800 $166,600 $229,400 $291,500 $202,900
DP Current Expense $40,800 $32,100 $45,200 $42,600 $40,100
DP Capital Outlay $8,400 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total
$1,725,700
$1,911,500
$2,140,500
$2,373,900
$2,486,600
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 19.9 22.2 22.3 22.5 25.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: Water Conservation/Education

Function

Utah is near the top of the nation in per capita water consumption. Statute (73-10-32) requires water conservation planning by the Division. Water conservation and education are essential in order to reduce future water demands. Water conservancy districts and retailers must submit water conservation plans, and the Division must provide technical support, then evaluate, make recommendations, and submit the plans to the Board of Water Resources. Most conservancy districts have chosen education as the primary tool for conservation.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $16,100
Water Resources C&D $166,600 $159,900 $144,100 $171,400 $166,500
Total
$166,600
$159,900
$144,100
$171,400
$182,600
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Personal Services $120,500 $124,300 $110,600 $85,800 $138,900
In-State Travel $2,900 $2,600 $2,100 $2,800 $2,100
Out of State Travel $400 $1,000 $300 $0 $300
Current Expense $39,700 $28,100 $26,100 $78,900 $38,000
DP Current Expense $3,100 $3,900 $5,000 $3,900 $3,300
Total
$166,600
$159,900
$144,100
$171,400
$182,600
 
Other Indicators
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Budgeted FTE 2.1 2.0 1.7 1.2 2.0






Subcommittee Table of Contents

Program: West Desert Ops

Function

This program funds the maintenance on the West Desert pumping plant, as required by UCA 73-23-3. The pumps are part of a $60 million Great Salt Lake flood control project begun in 1986. The pumps can lower the peak level of the lake about one foot per year. The Division is maintaining the pumping facility through contracts with consultants and regular inspection by agency staff so they will be ready for operation if needed.

Funding Detail

Sources of Finance
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
General Fund $4,300 $8,700 $10,300 $9,900 $10,600
Total
$4,300
$8,700
$10,300
$9,900
$10,600
 
Categories of Expenditure
2005
Actual
2006
Actual
2007
Actual
2008
Actual
2009
Approp
Current Expense $4,300 $8,700 $10,300 $9,900 $10,600
Total
$4,300
$8,700
$10,300
$9,900
$10,600
Subcommittee Table of Contents