By Julie Johansen
Emery County recently applied for funding under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (PL-566). This act allows USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to help local organizations and units of government plan and implement watershed projects. Emery County applied for this funding to evaluate the watersheds above Joe’s Valley Reservoir with the intent to provide long term protection for this vital resource. This funding will also evaluate watersheds near Orangeville City to help ensure that the city is protected from potential flooding.
Norm Evenstad from the USDA office in Salt Lake City explained that the purpose of this funding was for water protection and water quality work. He also explained that the program consists of three phases. These three phases consists of planning, design, and construction. It was explained that USDA recently hired consultants to conduct the initially planning phase. For this planning phase, the NEPA process will be conducted. He further stated that the economic analysis is huge as both congress and the public want to get the biggest bang for their buck.
The planning phase will take approximately two years. This public scoping meeting was only the beginning of the process. Those involved with the project would like to hear concerns and ideas. Comments can be emailed to jonathan@jandtengineering.
