Advisory council recommends pump‑out grants for Bear Lake and Flaming Gorge

The Utah Boating Advisory Council on Jan. 9 recommended that two Clean Vessel Act (CVA) pump‑out projects — Bear Lake Marina and Flaming Gorge — move forward to federal review. The council’s motion, made by George Summer and seconded by Adam (Egold/Eagle), passed on a voice and hand vote with membership in favor.

The council discussed the difference between the two applications: Bear Lake has an existing state appropriation covering its required match, while Flaming Gorge asked the state to provide the 25 percent match needed to access federal CVA funds. Chair Jeff Salt summarized that, after staff clarification, “the federal government and the state review these together, but it's really the state that's going to help fund any applicant that doesn't have their 25% match.” Division staff and members said Flaming Gorge’s proposal included spare parts and other items they found well‑justified.

Why it matters: CVA pump‑out stations reduce sewage discharge from recreational boats and are funded by a federal/state match; approving state matches enables applicants to receive federal awards. Council members emphasized clearer application labeling in future cycles so each applicant’s requested state contribution is explicit.

What happened next: The council formally recommended both CVA applications to proceed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for federal review. No dissenting votes were recorded during the meeting.