Duchesne County declares drought emergency under state statute

Duchesne County Commissioners on April 27 unanimously adopted Resolution No. 26-03, declaring a drought emergency in the county under Utah Code §17-78-307. Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips presented the resolution and outlined the county’s current drought conditions and reasons for invoking the statute.

The declaration gives county officials explicit authority to coordinate emergency response and allocate constrained resources, Phillips said during the meeting. Commissioners Jeff Chugg, Tracy Killian and Chairman Greg Miles each voted in favor of the measure.

County leaders described the resolution as a planning and notification tool rather than an immediate imposition of new restrictions. The declaration is intended to help the county work with state agencies, water districts and local partners to prioritize essential uses, monitor supply, and communicate with residents about expected impacts.

The resolution was adopted as presented; the commission did not amend the document during the meeting. The commission’s action will be reflected in county records and is intended to accelerate coordination with the Utah Division of Emergency Management and local water suppliers as conditions evolve.