utah turf buyback program

This is generational.. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who works on water issues for the Legislature called the idea intriguing, but he is worried about whether it can be implemented fairly. With Utah being the second driest state in the nation and in the grip of a protracted drought, Cox said all new development should be accompanied by waterwise landscaping and cites should shelve ordinances that require curbside turf or other mandates. Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation during the current drought at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. Is there a connection? Whether you're installing a new landscape or renovating an existing one, following the Localscapes five-step approach will give you a landscape that thrives! Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. Turf buyback . Those against a new Utah state flag spoke of maintaining history, while supporters said it was time to give a fresh look to the state. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. I want to have a nice drink of water. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valleys Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. "The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water-wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. This is a huge step forward, a huge lift, and one of the most important pieces of legislation we were able to accomplish this year.. In an effort to cut back on wasteful water use, Utah lawmakers approved the first statewide turf buyback program in the country, providing $5 million in incentives to residents who want to. The state passed a bill trying to change that. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Riverdale in Weber County recently reported its aquifer had dropped 17 feet since May 1 and water conservation goals fell way short of what authorities had hoped. The Washington County Water Conservancy District told FOX 13 it is considering a "turf buyback" program to incentivize people to move toward drought-friendly landscaping. You can register at UtahWaterSavers.com and plug in your address, finding local discounts on things like smart controllers for sprinkler systems, low-flow toilets and discounts on landscaping. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. "Were lush. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. Cox said his administration is committed to pushing for more aggressive conservation measures, but they are long-range considerations and would require the legislature to get on board. Request a pre-conversion site visit. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Against the backdrop of the Conservation Garden at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan, Cox called for more action to reduce water consumption. The nations first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. Attend a park strip class. Spencer Cox said Thursday. Lawmakers are already planning on using $280 million of federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve Utah's water infrastructure. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. The nation's first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. This year the event will be held from January 27-29 at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort and Event Center in Garden City, Utah. The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. The Washington County Water Conservancy District told FOX 13 it is considering a "turf buyback" program to incentivize people to move toward drought-friendly landscaping. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature is considering bills to encourage people get rid of "non-functional turf" and block cities and HOAs from requiring lawns. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. The division has partnered with the Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts to increase program awareness, increase funding and develop program requirements. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Donate to the newsroom now. GET REBATES: Water conservation resources for Utah residents. "As a city? Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipal and industrial water use. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. During the legislative session, there was significant action to help the Great Salt Lake, which reached its historic low last year and continues to shrink. With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake and repeated pleas from state leaders to conserve water in the ongoing mega-drought, people have remarked at the high cost of replacing landscaping with drought-friendly turf. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Today Full time HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. . Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. If a homebuyer purchases a property that took advantage of the turf removal program, then plants a lawn where it was removed, they will be required to pay back any funds the previous homeowner. Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Governor Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Central Utah Water conservation manager Rick Maloy and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District general manager Bart Forsyth. Cox hails generational effort in Utahs water law history, What happened after a governor asked his state to pray for rain, Anatomy of a drought: How the West may change for decades to come, How bad is the Western drought? The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Metering all secondary water systems, continuing work with farmers and ranchers to reduce water consumption and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise, Gov. While most efforts are focused on managing the here and now, state officials are looking to Utahs water future and how to manage skyrocketing growth by preserving a precious natural resource. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. Let it go," the mayor said. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. Program funding is available statewide. Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Central Utah Water Conservation District manager Rick Maloy participate in a press conference at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. "Because its more work!". "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can be offered. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. The state of Utah has begun signing people up ahead of its launch of a "turf buyback" program, offering incentives for residents to get rid of grass they don't really use. Abortion rights advocates at Utah rally pledge to fight after leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, The next phase of Salt Lake City International airport is taking shape. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. The Weber County Sports Complex launched an initiative to do fewer cuts at its ice rink and in doing so, anticipates saving more than a million gallons over the year. Last month, Utah Gov. This is a huge win for Utah. To register visit. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utahs municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. Renstrom said the water conservancy district is not pushing people to get rid of their lawns, but reimagine how it could look with less grass and more drought-friendly plants. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. Establish a statewide turf buyback program: Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of municipal and industrial water use. Unlike North Ogden, some municipal water providers do not have prohibitions regarding the use of indoor water on outdoor landscaping, but households and businesses just need to be prepared to pay much higher water bills. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. An effort to require all new secondary water connections be metered was brought up legislatively a few years ago, but the bill was modified and not nearly as aggressive as its sponsor wanted it to be. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? She and members of the city council have called for a review all of St. George's ordinances and policies with an eye toward water savings. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Starting a turf buyback program According to the Governor's office, areas that have installed secondary meters include Spanish Fork, Saratoga Springs and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, and they have seen a reduction in water use by about 20-30%. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Of water resources start there the United States, with an expected rollout in the Jordan water. Feet wide at its narrowest point 29, 2021 are not eligible for this program requires plants drip. 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