Utah Lake Authority: $4M federal appropriation confirmed for Nature Center; staff to seek $4M state match

Executive Director Luke Peterson updated the Utah Lake Authority on Jan. 22 that the congressional minibus appropriations package contains $4,000,000 earmarked for a Nature Center project. "The 4,000,000 is the total that's coming through for the Nature Center, and that will come to ULA," Peterson said.

Peterson told the board that the Authority intends to pursue a state match by applying for an RFA (request for appropriation) for $4,000,000, with the combined $8,000,000 intended to support initial Nature Center work. He noted that federal appropriations typically carry a three-year spending period: "With the federal appropriation, you get 3 years to spend it," Peterson said during questions from board members.

Peterson framed the Nature Center as a legislative-year priority for the Authority and said staff will coordinate with university and legislative partners—he referenced conversations with UVU and with members of the congressional delegation to advance complementary restoration projects such as work in the Spanish Fork River Delta. Peterson cautioned that state budgeting is constrained this year but said the federal funds create a timely opportunity to pursue matching state support.

Board members asked about the duration for which federal funds can be held and whether the Authority should supply a letter of support; Peterson said federal funds can be spent over three years and that he would notify the board if a coordinated support letter would be helpful.

No formal vote was required on the update; the board received the report and proceeded to other agenda items.