Commission approves 30‑day extension for ARPA‑funded groundwater recharge purchase

Rob Moore, general counsel for the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, asked the commission to authorize a 30‑day extension on a prior approval tied to a $10,000,000 ARPA grant so the district could close on the Highland Gravel Pit property used for a groundwater recharge project.

Moore said the property is approximately 114 acres at the mouth of American Fork Canyon and that negotiations and due diligence remain underway. He told commissioners the final agreed purchase price for the site was $19,500,000 and that six appraisals ranged between $15,000,000 and $33,000,000. "We are ... in the due diligence period, we're anticipating closing on December eighth of this year," Moore said, and he asked for an extension to 12/31/2023 to complete the transaction.

Commissioners discussed the request in the context of other ARPA‑funded water projects and the county’s interest in ensuring ARPA funds are used on timely projects so as not to risk reallocation. Commissioner comments expressed support for a limited extension. Speaker 3 moved to approve the amendment and Speaker 6 seconded; the commission voted and the motion passed 3–0.

The action extends the close date and keeps the ARPA‑funded groundwater recharge project on the county's approved list; commissioners noted continued oversight of ARPA funds and potential clawback discussions if projects are not completed.