Committee backs bill to expand Jordan River restoration and recreation grants, 7–1

Salt Lake City — The House Political Subdivisions Committee voted Jan. 29 to pass SB 130 (sub 1) as amended by Senate Amendment 1, sending the measure forward with a favorable recommendation (7–1). The bill expands an existing river-restoration grant program, increases funding and extends eligibility to projects along the full length of the Jordan River.

Senator Fillmore, sponsor of the bill, said the legislation aims to increase water flow to the Great Salt Lake by removing invasive, water-demanding plant species along the Jordan River and to build recreational access and safety-related assets such as boat ramps, lighting and patrol support. The amendment adopted in committee adds the Jordan River Commission as an entity that can be consulted and included in certain grant activities.

Soren Simonson, executive director of the Jordan River Commission, urged support and said the commission could help coordinate projects that span multiple jurisdictions, citing challenges such as portages near rail lines and diversions. He also noted concern among commission members about moving final authority for approval of grants to the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands while retaining the commission’s coordinating role.

Representative Peterson and Senator Fillmore discussed matching-fund language; the committee amended the bill to require the state to provide "at least an equal amount" of matching funds in order to make state dollars stretch further. Representative Hansen asked for a local-consent clause (requiring written local approval before any project in a city or county), which was raised but not adopted by the committee.

The committee adopted the Senate amendment by voice vote and favorably recommended SB 130 sub 1 by recorded vote 7–1 (Representative Hansen opposed). The measure will move forward in the legislative process with the amendment and the added matching-funds language.

Next steps: The bill advances with committee recommendations; implementation details and consultation arrangements between the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands and the Jordan River Commission were noted as follow-up items.