Board sets fifth application window for ARPA secondary-meter return funds

The Utah Board of Water Resources on Tuesday established a fifth application period for returned ARPA funds to support secondary-meter installations, setting the window from Sept. 8 through Oct. 10, 2025, and requiring that applicants meet all board, state and federal contract and grant requirements at the time they apply.

Shalane DeBernardi, Division of Water Resources staff, told the board that some previously awarded ARPA grants have returned funds because projects completed under budget or applicants later qualified for exemptions. Federal rules allow returned ARPA funds to be reallocated only for the same ARPA-eligible purpose. The governor’s office of planning and budget clarified to staff that return funds cannot be reallocated for other water-conservation projects and must be used for secondary meters.

DeBernardi reviewed statutory grant limits: projects awarded in 2025 may receive grants up to 60% of project costs, while grants in 2026 may not exceed 50%. The board also noted the statutory requirement that all ARPA funds be spent by the end of 2026.

Board Member Brian Steed moved the combined motion to set the fifth application period and require that applicants meet all board, state and federal requirements at application time. The motion was seconded and approved in a roll-call vote with all members voting aye.

Next steps: staff will publish the application materials and enforce the eligibility requirements that applicants be contract-ready at the time they submit an application.