Saratoga Springs asks Utah County for $5 million toward North Marina on Utah Lake

Saratoga Springs representatives on Tuesday asked the Utah County Board of Commissioners for $5,000,000 in county tourism‑tax advisory board (TTAB) funds toward a proposed North Marina and beach park on the north end of Utah Lake.

Lars Anderson, a principal with PEC, told commissioners the full project is estimated at $35,000,000 and that Phase 1 — which includes land and initial infrastructure such as jetties and boat ramps — is roughly $12,000,000. "We're requesting $5,000,000," Anderson said, adding that current matching funds total about $7,000,000 and include land the city acquired. He noted the project still faces a funding shortfall if future state and private sources do not materialize.

Jeremy Lappin, Saratoga Springs public works director, said the city expects the marina to serve a broad regional population and described a standalone Phase 1 that would be usable to the public even if later phases are not completed. He said the site’s natural contour reduces earthwork and that deeper dredging (12–15 feet) is feasible given equipment access.

Commissioners pressed officials on hard cash commitments and environmental and operating questions. One commissioner noted TTAB advisory members had voiced hesitancy about the project because some listed funding was in future phases rather than committed cash. Anderson and Lappin responded that the city has committed some direct cash (identified in the presentation as roughly $500,000 for Phase 1) and that the larger $13,000,000 state nature‑center proposal would be additional to the city and FFSL contributions, not included in the Phase 1 cash.

On water‑quality concerns, presenters said they plan three mitigation strategies used at other Utah Lake facilities: underwater connecting pipes to reduce stagnation, aeration (bubble curtains) near public swimming areas, and the limited use of NSF‑certified algaecides when necessary in coordination with the Lake Commission and state authorities. "Anything we do in the lake would be in coordination with the Lake Commission, state lands and similar partners," Lappin said.

Project proponents said timing favors dredging in low water years and that building the jetties and ramps first would create an immediately usable amenity while further park elements are phased in. The commission did not take immediate action on the $5,000,000 request during the presentation; commissioners asked staff to continue follow‑up and details on hard cash matches and phased deliverables.

The city continues to seek state grants, FFSL (Forestry, Fire and State Lands) funds, and future impact fees to fill a projected $10,000,000 shortfall. No final county appropriation was approved during this meeting.