Two Basin projects are included in the USDA’s 2017 Conservation project list announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week. The Uintah County Efficiency Project proposes to utilize $7,387,500 dollars of USDA funding to “increase the quantity and improve the quality of water in the area through better management of existing and future water facilities and resources.” Partners listed in the project include Uintah County, USU and several canal companies. Their goal is stated to “organize feasible projects on a large scale, eliminating the piecemeal approach of the past.” The Ute Tribe Water Conservation project also made the list, promising $1,196,250 dollars for “developing Water Code for tribally-owned water and a Water Plan to inventory and prioritize tribal water resource needs.” The project will redirect cold water through Bottle Hollow to reach store the fishery there. 88 total projects across the country will share $225 million dollars in federal funding through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
