The Jordan River Commission is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a $275,000 grant to create a set of Best Management Practices for Riparian Corridor Conservation and Development.
The project will:
- Help local governments better guide the future preservation, development and redevelopment of land within the Jordan River corridor;
- Prevent future impacts to Jordan River water quality by helping to minimize future encroachment into the river corridor; and ultimately will
- Result in a dramatic improvement in water quality throughout the entire Jordan River Watershed through the implementation of the best management practices by the 15 cities and 3 counties that border the Jordan Riverand its tributaries.
The project’s success and effectiveness will be ensured through a broad, collaborative process designed to build local support and buy-in from Commission members, non-members, and the community at large.
This project is one of 14 receiving funding from the $3 million set aside in a settlement agreement with Chevron Pipeline Company, which released crude oil and condensate into Red Butte Creek during June and December of 2010.
Seventeen projects, totaling $5.3 million dollars, were considered for funding after a November call for proposals. As the executive secretary of the Water Quality Board, Walt Baker selected the projects in consultation withSalt Lake Citysenior staff.
The settlement required that the $3 million fine be used to enhance or protect the waterways harmed by the oil spill. Chevron also paid $1 million to Salt Lake City for temporary lost use of city assets, including Liberty Park Lake, Red Butte Creek, city parks and infrastructure. Additionally, Chevron paid a civil penalty of $500,000 to the State of Utah.
A complete list of project proposals that were considered, including those selected for full or partial funding, is available on the Water Quality Division’s Red Butte web page.
