What to expect from the governor’s budget proposal

With the state Legislature set to reconvene soon, one of the elements it will eventually address is the budget sent to them from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

As was expected, several of the elements of the budget may affect the work being done by special districts, as it relates to resources, infrastructure and other aspects of how people live and work in Utah.

Here’s a look at a few of the main provisions of the budget, which would total $28 billion if it passes the Legislature. As expected, it addresses natural resources considerably — with some tax incentives as another big part of the potential budget.

Natural resources stability

The drought is still a hot topic among leaders as well as residents. To that end, $516 million is earmarked for water conservation efforts, agriculture programs and infrastructure. There are also provisions estimated at over $340 million for specific measures for water, including $132 million alone for The Great Salt Lake and the other $217 million for statewide water supply management.

The need for drought relief is still very sharp in Utah. According to the US Drought Monitor, 90% of the state is still in severe drought conditions, while reservoirs are at an estimated 43% capacity due to both increases in population and lack of natural rainfall.

The agricultural portion of this main expenditure would likely include efforts to optimize agricultural equipment better to impact less water use for everyone across the state.

Another $350 million is being earmarked for transportation projects, including one that conceivably makes the Utah Transit Authority accessible for a year to all residents.

Tax relief

This is another perennial hot topic, and there is a plan in Cox’s budget for tax relief totaling $1.3 billion over the next three years.

Relief from natural disasters


About $200 million is proposed to be set aside to deal with potential wildfires, flooding or earthquakes. Part of this money will go toward improving Wasatch Front aqueducts for better earthquake safety and overall dam safety efforts throughout the state.

We’re ready to respond to your interests

As part of our work for you, we speak with government and public officials to clarify what will best impact our special districts. We also train board members and their staff, provide advocacy for critical issues, and update laws and regulations, among other duties.

Our website has more on what we can do for your district.