Fed invests additional $7 million in Southwest Reservoir

Tokelville, Utah (ABC4) — Federal officials announced Wednesday an additional $7 million investment in a Washington County project that promises to increase water supplies in drought-prone areas and encourage growth in the desert Southwest.

He spoke at a reservoir construction site near Toquaville. Reclamation Bureau Commissioner Camille Karimrim-Touton announced the Biden administration’s second investment in the Ash Creek project in Washington County. bipartisan infrastructure law.

“It’s very exciting to come here and see it for yourself.” [the funds] It keeps me engaged in work,” she said.

Last year, $4.7 million in bipartisan Infrastructure Act funding went to the Ash Creek project, which aims to capture surface water in a new reservoir west of Toquaville. Wednesday’s announcement bumps the total amount the federal government has contributed to the project to nearly $12 million.

In addition to the Ash Creek project, the Biden administration has named five other locations in California to receive federal funding under the infrastructure bill to improve water storage and combat the effects of drought and climate change. did.

“Governments are making these investments to protect the security of water supplies in this region and beyond, and to secure resources for future generations,” Touton said.

Joel Ferry, Executive Director Utah Department of Natural Resources; He said the Ash Creek project would eventually become its main component, the Main Tokue Reservoir. Washington County 20-Year Water Plan.

“[The money is] “We’re going to help build the reservoir and all the facilities, including delivery systems, plumbing and other facilities for the people of Washington County,” he said.

Ferry added that this project is important to the continued growth of Southwest Utah. Without it and other related water conservation efforts, the area would not have water to support further development.

“This ultimately buys 20 to 30 years of continued growth and continued water use for Washington County,” he said. “It’s huge and it’s generational.”

Rep. Celeste Malloy (R-Utah), speaking at a news conference Wednesday, said the investment is an example of how water projects “should work” as the federal government supports state programs.

“It’s really refreshing to see federal agencies working with local governments,” she said.

Washington County and the Washington County Water Conservation District have already spent millions of dollars on the Ash Creek project.

Crews broke ground on the reservoir site last year, and Chief Tokel Reservoir is currently scheduled for completion in 2026. County water officials say the reservoir will provide surface water for agricultural irrigation in exchange for a natural spring water source. Can be used as drinking water.

Ferry said the federal investment in the project is an example of how a Democratic administration can work with Republican states to make significant progress in addressing long-term issues such as climate change. .

“This is how we get it done,” he said. “It’s a collaborative effort.”