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Thank you for considering my comments.
From a concerned citizen,
[Your Name]Washington County, Utah is one of the nation's fastest growing populations and is projected to nearly triple in the next 45 years. The county is also one of the driest regions in the nation, currently dependent on a single water source of variable quantity and quality — the Virgin River basin, which is reaching its full development potential. The county's growth and limited water resources make the Lake Powell Pipeline (LPP) essential for southern Utah's future population and economy.
Based on conservative water use estimates, the LPP is projected to support an additional $11 billion in gross domestic product, 120,000 jobs and nearly $4.5 billion in total wages and salaries. In addition, the project is anticipated to generate an incremental $20 billion in sales tax and state income tax revenues through 2060.
There isn't another potential water project that would diversify and more than double Washington County's water resources and economic portfolio.
Utah has one of the strongest economies in the nation. It's important we plan today to ensure our future population and economy is not put in jeopardy due to water supply scarcity in the future.
We appreciate the Bureau of Reclamation's consideration of this essential water project and request the LPP move forward to protect our region's quality of life and economic stability.
"; strEmailCopy += "Thank you for considering my comments.
From a concerned citizen,
"; strEmailCopy += "[Your Name]Extensive environmental studies have been conducted for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lake Powell Pipeline (LPP) to evaluate impacts from the construction, operation and maintenance of the project. The studies have found that the LPP will have very few permanent environmental impacts. The studies also identify mitigation measures designed to protect wildlife, fish and riparian habitat, plants, cultural and paleontological resources.
The pipeline route mostly follows existing roads, alignments or designated utility corridors and will be buried to minimize disturbances to natural, cultural, historic and archeological resources.
The project would not have significant impacts on wildlife or listed fish species. LPP would have limited impacts on stream and river flows and water quality. It's important to note that LPP will not impact wetlands and would permanently impact less than 0.1 acres of water of the U.S.
The benefits of the LPP far outweigh any issues as it relates to the environment. With approximately eight inches of rain per year and a single water source, Washington County is the driest region in Utah and one of the fastest growing regions in the nation. Alternatives to the LPP would have more severe impacts to the environment.
I urge the Bureau of Reclamation to complete the Environmental Impact Statement and issue a Record of Decision with appropriate mitigation measures to protect the environment.
"; strEmailCopy += "Thank you for considering my comments.
From a concerned citizen,
"; strEmailCopy += "[Your Name]The 2006 Lake Powell Pipeline Development Act states that the project will be funded by the state of Utah and repaid by water users, as has been done for more than 1,000 water projects completed throughout Utah. The project is not dependent on federal funding.
The draft EIS confirms that the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) would have sufficient revenue to repay the state based on the Kem C. Gardner Institute's population projections. This is consistent with the analysis conducted by the Washington County Water Conservancy District as well as the 2019 audit performed by the Office of the Legislative Auditor General for the State of Utah.
The WCWCD has a financial strategy to gradually increase impact fees, water rates and limited property taxes to repay the state. If fully implemented, the strategy would generate more than $6 billion in incremental revenue to pay for needed water infrastructure, including the Lake Powell Pipeline. However, the strategy will only be carried out to the extent needed to meet the district's actual financial obligations. The district will look at engineering and construction efficiencies to minimize borrowing costs and potential financial impacts to taxpayers.
The Lake Powell Pipeline is part of Washington County's comprehensive water supply plan, which also includes additional water conservation, reuse and agricultural water transfers. Meeting future water demands without the Lake Powell Pipeline is projected to be more expensive than building the project, and alternatives will not diversify our single water source as noted in the EIS.
I support the completion of the EIS for the Lake Powell Pipeline and recognize it's an essential and affordable project for southern Utah.
"; strEmailCopy += "Thank you for considering my comments.
From a concerned citizen,
"; strEmailCopy += "[Your Name]Washington County is one of the fastest growing and driest regions in the nation. The county's residents are dependent on a single water source of variable quantity and quality — the Virgin River basin. Another water source, such as the LPP, will be needed to meet the demands of a population expected to nearly triple in the next 45 years.
The Virgin River basin has served the area well, but increased demand, contaminants, infrastructure damage, floods, wildfires and drought all pose a risk to a single-source system. The county has encountered drought 12 out of 20 years.
The LPP introduces a second critical, reliable source of water to the county — the Colorado River. The river has always provided enough water to meet established uses and compact requirements. The state of Utah is working closely with federal agencies and other basin states to plan for future needs and mitigate potential impacts of climate change. The drought contingency plans are a good step in that direction.
Even though Utah may be developing its water rights later than some of the other basin states, it does not mean there will not be enough water for projects like the LPP. It's time for Utah to use the water it's entitled to and build this critical project.
Please complete the EIS process and issue a Record of Decision that approves the Preferred Alternative.
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From a concerned citizen,
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From a concerned citizen,
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