Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Requests
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Click on the document below to see a copy of the appropriations request forms submitted to Senator Bennett.
Agriculture 1.pdf (2.6 MBs)
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Agriculture 2.pdf (2.9 MBs)
Project: Agricultural Research Center
Amount: $60,000,000
Purpose: To complete the design and construction of the Agricultural Research Center at Utah State University
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: Utah State University is a national leader in agricultural science. Currently, there are collaborative programs between USU and ARS that have provided valuable research for regional, national, and international agricultural communities. USU is the state's only higher education institution with a comprehensive agricultural curriculum, and the extensive research and teaching coming out of the USU College of Agriculture creates a broad reach and impact. Opportunities for collaborations between USU and ARS will be increased because ARS labs, including the Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management and Systematics Research Lab and the Forest and Range Research Lab will be located in the new structure. This proximity will provide a unique opportunity for collaborative research with top university and federal programs. The new building will also include campus-wide, technology-enhanced classrooms. The building will allow USU to strengthen its role as a leader in agricultural research, teaching, and service in the West and throughout the United States. On March 4, 2008, the Utah State Legislature approved a challenge bond for $43.1 million which provides the entire state share of the building funding. This bond was approved with legislative language tying release of the state funding with the release of federal funding. To ensure that the state funding is released on a timely and cost-effective schedule, USU requests that federal funds be appropriated and released as quickly as possible.
Project: Blacksmith Fork River Park Project
Amount: $300,000
Purpose: To preserve established wetlands located along the Blacksmith Fork River while providing public access by way of a city trail system.
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: City of Logan, UT
Explanation/Justification: The Blacksmith Fork River Park Project preserves established wetlands located along the Blacksmith Fork River while providing public access by way of a city trail system. The proposed park will be linked by a trail footbridge to the heavily used Logan Soccer Complex located on the north bank of the Blacksmith Fork River. The proposed park location is also a critical trail connection for Nibley City which is adjacent to the Blacksmith Fork River Park. The Blacksmith Fork River Park Project is an ideal location for a public park due to its proximity to the Blackhawk condominium and Country Manor residential subdivisions. The proposed site contains 2.33 acres of undeveloped land. All the funding requested for the project will be allocated for construction related activities such as grubbing and grading, preservation of wetland areas, construction of walkways and trail, irrigation, landscaping, footbridge installation, signage, curb, gutter, and drainage installation.
Project: Coal Creek Flood Control and Parkway Project
Amount: $2,620,000
Purpose: To provide proper flood prevention and develop a walking trail alongside restored channel
Location: Cedar City, UT
Recipient of funds: Cedar City, UT
Explanation/Justification: In 2005, Coal Creek generated 85,000 acre-feet of water from snow pack runoff, 20,000 more than the previous 70-year high. While wide-scale disasters were averted, there was flood damage to property and structures around the once dry lakebed known as Quichapa Lake. The potential 100-year flood damage by Coal Creek was documented in a recent EIS study by Bowen Collins and Associates indicating that damage to local businesses and homeowners as well as federal, state and local government property was likely. Restoration and improvement of the Coal Creek channel will provide proper flood prevention for properties along the channel during a flood event. In addition to these benefits, a walking trail will be developed along the restored channel. The completed portion of the project was funded with city, state and federal funds. While city and state funds were set aside for this project, federal funding was not obtained to complete the project. Leaving the project incomplete leaves a significant part of the city exposed to flood damage if not increasing the probability of flood damage due to the routing of the flood waters to a smaller area.
Project: Collaborative Cardiovascular Drug Safety and Biomarker Research
Amount: $1,500,000
Purpose: To validate genetic tests that are predictive of response to drug therapy to develop new drugs for cardiovascular disease
Location: Utah and Arizona
Recipient of funds: The Critical Path Institute, Tucson, AZ
Explanation/Justification: In the U.S., over 250,000 die annually from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), over 5 million Americans have CHF (with 500,000 newly diagnosed each year) and it is the most common cause for hospitalizations. New, safe medicines are badly needed to effectively treat CHF. Scientists at the Critical Path Institute, the FDA and the Intermountain Health/University of Utah have begun work to test and validate innovative methods to accelerate the development of new and safe therapies for patients with heart disease. Sustained funding will enable this already successful project to continue serving as a template for how validated genetic tests that are predictive of response to drug therapy can accelerate the safe development of new drugs for cardiovascular disease. The work completed in the initial phase of this project (Warfarin) is estimated to save thousands of lives and $1.1 billion annually. This research program is identifying candidate genes and proteins in the Intermountain Health databases, and designing and conducting genomic and proteomic biomarkers validation experiments by the Critical Path Institute, Intermountain Health/University of Utah, FDA and manufacturers, determining which biomarkers identify heart failure patients who are most likely to respond favorably to drug therapy and those at highest risk of adverse events.
Project: Jack H. Berryman Institute (BI) at Utah State University and Mississippi State University
Amount: $1,500,000
Purpose: To expand the institute's outreach and continuing education programs
Location: Utah and Mississippi
Recipient of funds: Berryman Institute at Utah State University and Mississippi State University
Explanation/Justification: Human-wildlife interactions are increasing in prominence in the U.S. A recent study requested by Congress found that annually in the U.S., over 35,000 people are attacked or bitten by wildlife, 16,000 people are injured in deer-vehicle collisions, and thousands more sickened by wildlife-borne diseases. Economic losses from wildlife damage include $1.6 billion in property damage from deer-vehicle collisions, $4.4 billion in property damage to private households, $3.4 billion loss to the timber industry, and $2 billion in agricultural production. To date the BI has supported research projects in 26 states with competitively awarded funding for undergraduate internships, graduate fellowships, and faculty affiliates. These projects address such relevant issues as beaver control, deer-vehicle collisions, reforestation, depredation at aquaculture facilities, endangered species recovery and impacts of feral hogs, black bear, urban deer, coyotes and raccoons. Outreach and continuing education programs are training USDA/APHIS/wildlife services personnel through professional skills workshops and career enhancement courses, and the institute's new peer-reviewed scientific journal Human-Wildlife Conflicts was launched in 2007 and is rapidly gaining national and international recognition. Any increase in funding will be used jointly by BI-West (50%) and BI-East (50%) to ensure that the Berryman Institute is fully capable of addressing the increasingly important issues of human-wildlife conflict on a national scale.
Project: East Canyon Watershed Non-Point Source Pollution Reduction Project
Amount: $1,000,000
Purpose: To develop and implement an ongoing information and education program to inform and educate residences and businesses of water quality impacts and what can be done to minimize these impacts
Location: Park City, UT
Recipient of funds: Snyderville Basin Water Reclamation District (SBWRD), Park City, UT
Explanation/Justification: Funds would be used by SBWRD and NRCS to develop and implement ongoing information and education programs to inform and educate residences and businesses of water quality impacts and what can be done to minimize these impacts. The East Canyon Watershed is located in north central Utah, approximately 20 miles east of Salt Lake City in Snyderville Basin and Park City areas. This project will continue the successful work already performed in addressing non-point source pollution in the watershed. The overall goal of the project is to reduce non-point source pollution entering East Canyon Reservoir and East Canyon Creek and its tributaries in order to meet state water quality standards and beneficial uses. This project will use a voluntary, incentive based approach to encourage landowner participation. By providing grants and educating landowners about the importance of improving water quality, the goals of this project can be achieved.
Project: Environmental Consequences of Renewable Energy (ECRE)
Amount: $3,000,000
Purpose: To increase USDA - ARS Renewable Energy Assessment Project funding
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Space Dynamics Lab, Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: Agriculture is increasingly viewed as a contributor to declining air quality. Dust, ammonia, odors and smoke from agricultural operations are identified for adverse impact on air quality. EPA recently regulated dust generated from agricultural sources. Reducing foreign energy use and the U.S. carbon footprint by biomass energy production has been proposed, but unrestrained production could also increase wind and water erosion. The objective of the USDA-ARS Renewable Energy Assessment Project (REAP) is to maintain an optimum balance between production and negative soil, water and air consequences.
Project: Education Outreach, Demonstration, & Research at the Utah Botanical Center
Amount: $627,377
Purpose: To continue development of the Utah Botanical Center (UBC) as a regional learning center, promoting natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: The UBC will achieve its goal of becoming a regional learning center, promoting natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship, through research, extension, and education. These efforts support production and integration of low water use plants in sustainable built landscapes in high desert environments as well as development of effective means of disseminating useful information to local citizens.
Project: Environmental Training/NEPA Certificate Program for Federal Employees
Amount: $1,000,000
Purpose: To prepare natural resource and environmental professionals to meet the challenge of compliance and effective NEPA document preparation
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: The National Environmental Policy Act is a critical environmental law that requires that impacts of all major federal actions and review alternatives be analyzed, including alternatives and mitigation measures that may reduce their impacts upon the environment. Government agencies involved in the NEPA process need personnel who are well trained in the public involvement, scientific analysis, documentation, and decision making aspects of NEPA. In addition, they should be well acquainted with the accompanying Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and the accompanying procedures of various agencies. The NEPA Certificate Program was designed to prepare natural resource and environmental professionals to meet the challenge of compliance and effective NEPA document preparation. Through this training, agency personnel will be more effective and efficient in preparing the necessary documentation that will allow the agencies to meet their administrative goals and objectives.
Project: Functional Genomics in Nature
Amount: $1,600,000
Purpose: To develop biotechnology tools to investigate genetic diversity in animals
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: The Center for Integrated BioSystems (CIB) at Utah State University is developing and applying biotechnology tools for investigation of genetic diversity in animals and microbes. Results obtained within this project will have applications to a broad range of issues, such as food safety, resistance to infectious diseases, identification of genes controlling inherited disorders, and improved production of agriculturally important species. In addition to the identification, characterization and manipulation of genes responsible for improved production and health, the project also includes the propagation of animals with desirable traits through embryo cloning of farm animals. Utah State University is gaining national and international recognition for its breakthroughs on technologies that enhance the cloning process and the application of the technology. Breakthroughs in this area have broad application in science and are already impacting industry outcomes through carcass selection and increased quality of production.
Project: Gelena Canal Project
Amount: $600,000
Purpose: To replace two storm drain pipes that discharge into the Gelena Canal
Location: South Jordan, UT
Recipient of funds: City of South Jordan
Explanation/Justification: The Gelena Canal has two locations where the banks of the canal have failed and storm water and silt are being deposited onto adjacent land. The city has negotiated a license agreement with the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (URMCC) to install a 48 inch storm drain line across federal lands currently under the supervision of URMCC. In addition, a stream alteration permit with the state of Utah has been applied for and approved for the storm water discharge into the Jordan River. The project is to replace two storm drain pipes that currently discharge into the Gelena Canal. The installation of the storm drain will fix a deficient leak in the existing Gelena Canal. As part of the project the city has agreed to monitor and restore disturbed areas.
Project: Green River Pumping Project
Amount: $4,000,000
Purpose: To develop approximately 8,500 acre-feet per year of water for the Uintah Basin
Location: Vernal, UT
Recipient of funds: Uintah County, UT
Explanation/Justification: Many areas throughout the Uintah Basin are in need of water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes. The Green River Pumping Project would use a portion of the Flaming Gorge water allocated to the district from the Utah Division of Water Resources by pumping water directly from the Green River. The Green River water would be delivered through a series of pipelines to users in the Ouray Park, Pelican Lake, and Cottonwood areas, which would make available increased diversions from the Uintah River system, by exchange, to the Lapoint-Tridell, Moffatt, and Brough areas. This critical project would develop approximately 8,500 acre-feet per year of water for the Uintah Basin area. The Lapoint-Tridell area has a moratorium on building due to the lack of municipal water. The area is currently working with the Army Corps of Engineers to construct a water storage facility, to anticipate future sources of water being secured. This project will preserve allocated Flaming Gorge water that would otherwise be lost within the next couple of years, if not put to beneficial use.
Project: Health Effects of Alternatives to Dietary Trans Fat
Amount: $500,000
Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive clinical trial to evaluate the health aspects of consuming different solid fat alternatives
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: As a result of a large and growing evidence base, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated trans fat labeling in the United States in 2006. The FDA's labeling requirement for trans fat resulted in many companies reformulating their products to the degree that they contain 0 g trans fat on their labels. However, the replacement of partially hydrogenated oils containing trans fats used in baked goods and margarines presents challenges. The primary challenge is matching "solid fat" characteristics in foods using saturated fats while aiming to improve nutritional characteristics. In addition, the two major saturated fats (palmitic acid and stearic acid) used to replace trans fats by the food industry have differing nutritional characteristics. Furthermore, sources for these saturated fats are either imported (palm oil from Malaysia) or domestic oils (modified soybean oil) which impact the farm economy. Allocating support for this important clinical study will provide valuable guidance to consumers and the food industry for improving public health. There is a pressing need to find healthy alternatives for trans fats in the U.S. food supply. This would be a landmark study which would propel the Utah State University Center for Advanced Nutrition into the national spotlight.
Project: High Performance Computing Utah
Amount: $600,000
Purpose: To address the critical needs for high performance computing education and resources on the local, state and national level
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: This initiative is in concert with the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC) report and the recently passed High Performance Computing (HPC) Revitalization Act and addresses the critical needs for high performance computing education and resources on the local, state and national level. Through this program, the high performance computing resources at HPC at USU will be expanded by improving the visualization, storage and networking capabilities. The state and national needs for high performance computing education, in this case for agricultural scientists and students, will be addressed by the development and dissemination of training material specifically targeting the agricultural research audience.
Project: Impacts of Public Land Ownership and Management on Traditional and Alternative Energy Development
Amount: $450,000
Purpose: To continue providing top-quality research and analysis that measures opportunities and challenges of land holding patterns in the intermountain West.
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Center for Public Lands and Rural Economies, Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: The Center for Public Lands and Rural Economics seeks to continue providing top-quality, peer-reviewed research and analysis that measures opportunities and challenges of divided, scattered, sometimes checkerboarded land holding patterns in the Intermountain West. Energy development, whether oil gas, shale, coal, hydro, wind, solar, or geothermal is highly controversial because of economic, social, and environmental impacts. Development in the Intermountain West is further challenged by the existence of a mixed land estate. Developable resources do not confine themselves to just private, state, or federal lands. Development on federal lands requires meeting NEPA, FLPMA and other nationally established rules. The rules can be quite different on state lands, which tend to be scattered in 640 acre blocks. Some states have their own versions of NEPA, others do not. Accessing some state lands requires crossing private and federal lands; state and federal agencies sometimes clash and sometimes cooperate. Approximately two-thirds of the land in Utah is owned by the federal government, with just under 20% owned by the state government. Similar ownership patterns are found in other western states. With traditional and alternative energy resources, a key topic in the use and development of public lands, and questions about scattered patterns of land ownership across Utah and other western states, it is critical that there be research to explore policy issues and how they impact rural communities, their economies, and the accompanying revenue generated for federal, state, and local budgets.
Project: Joint Research and Extension Programs in China
Amount: $500,000
Purpose: To develop collaborative research between Utah State University, Xiamen University, and the Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: The USDA signed a protocol with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in 2002 that establishes six primary areas for cooperation between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China, with agricultural biotechnology and agricultural production enhancement as top priorities. Utah State University is contributing to this international effort through established agreements between Utah State University and several institutions in China, including MOST, Xiamen University, and the Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University (NWAFU). Utah State University and Xiamen University have developed joint research programs in animal models for the study of infectious diseases, natural bioactive compound development, and cellular communication networks. Exchanges of students and faculty between USU and Xiamen University are underway. Furthermore, USU and NWAFU are developing joint research programs in agriculturally relevant crops and forages, livestock cloning and genetics, water resources, and climate change.
Project: Jordan River Corridor
Amount: $1,100,000
Purpose: To restore and revitalize the Jordan River Corridor
Location: Salt Lake County, UT
Recipient of funds: Salt Lake County
Explanation/Justification: The Jordan River Corridor Project is a collaborative effort to restore and revitalize the river corridor. The Corridor Project encompasses water quality, ecosystem restoration, open space preservation, recreation, and economic development, and is being implemented through six Salt Lake County sponsored programs. This request is to implement two significant projects in the corridor, each of which includes water quality, storm water management, recreation, habitat protection, and ecosystem restoration. The projects are designed to serve the many communities that surround the Jordan River and connect to existing and planned projects along the river. When completed, the projects will serve as models for future collaborative work and will generate long-term public support for regional projects along the river.
Project: Kane County Water Improvement Initiative
Amount: None - report language only
Purpose: To secure approximately $10,000,000 in RUS loans and grants for the following projects via 45% grant and 45% loan and 10% self participation
Location: Kanab, UT
Recipient of funds: Kane County Water Conservancy District, Kanab, UT
Explanation/Justification: This project would entail the construction of the Kanab City pipeline, the construction of a water storage tank, the drilling of several new deep wells and the development and implementation of a water distribution system. These funds will bring clean, safe drinking water to several rural communities which are struggling with the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the public lands each year without the benefit of having a broader based industry. Heavy federal restrictions on land use have limited these rural communities in their abilities to develop their natural resources. Serving as hosts to public land visitors without the ability to develop a tax base all but requires these communities to rely on federal and state funds to develop their water infrastructure.
Project: American Veterinary Medical Association
Amount: $5,000,000
Purpose: To extend veterinary services to rural and other underserved areas
Location: Utah and nationwide
Recipient of funds: American Veterinary Medical Association, Washington, DC
Explanation/Justification: The National Veterinary Medical Service Act extends veterinary services to rural and other underserved areas that currently struggle to attract young veterinarians. NVMSA attracts veterinarians to participate by offering loan repayment incentives. These veterinarians will in turn improve the welfare of U.S. food and domestic animal populations and the emotional well-being of the animals' owners, enhances the America's emergency preparedness and response capabilities, and protects the country's animal agriculture industry. NVMSA creates jobs for those who provide administrative and staff support to veterinarians (roughly 3-5/staff positions per veterinarian).
Project: The Applied Biologics and Life Sciences Project
Amount: $1,200,000
Purpose: To establish an Applied Biologics and Life Sciences Project at Weber State University that will develop sophisticated analytical methods to help nutritional supplement manufacturers meet demands set forth by the FDA
Location: Ogden, UT
Recipient of funds: Weber State University
Explanation/Justification: The Utah Center of Excellence for Chemical Technology was established at Weber State University in 1990, as a Center to support economic development in Utah. The center's greatest emphasis has been to work closely with Utah's nutritional supplement industry, which exports four billion dollars annually, making this group the state's third-largest industry. Nutritional supplement manufacturers face serious challenges during the next few years due to recently issued new testing requirements that potentially threaten many of the corporations who must comply with these regulations. The purpose of this proposal is to establish a highly-respected Applied Biologics and Life Sciences Project at WSU that will develop sophisticated analytical methods to help nutritional supplement manufacturers meet demands set forth by the FDA. It will also work closely with groups such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists to help validate these methods. The methods developed by the lab will be provided freely to all who wish to utilize the methods through peer-reviewed publications, web-sites, and scientific meetings.
Project: Noxious Weed and Invasive Species Control Program
Amount: $1,000,000
Purpose: To implement control measures to address noxious weeds and invasive species
Location: Utah -- Statewide
Recipient of funds: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Salt Lake City, UT
Explanation/Justification: The invasion of noxious weeds and invasive species continues to be a growing concern that is negatively impacting the productivity of our range and forage resources. These infestations are impacting private, state, and federal lands. These funds would be used to match private, state, and other federal funds used to implement control measures to address these invasive species.
Project: Predator Research in Utah
Amount: $1,500,000
Purpose: To fund research to resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife especially predators
Location: Millville, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: Conflicts between humans and wildlife, especially predators, are growing rapidly. The reintroduction of wolves, expansion of coyote range, and increasing populations of bears are resulting in damage to agricultural and other resources. Furthermore, attacks of humans by bears, lions, and coyotes gives increased urgency to the need for better understanding and more tools and techniques for managing predators. The Predator Research Facility in Millville, Utah,plays an important role in efforts to resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife. A new development for FY 2010 is the potential expansion of capabilities for aquaculture protection research. This aspect of the request is a high and new priority because the cold-water aquaculture industry is facing increasing threats from exotic predators and disease. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor pond structures with water delivery systems capable of supplying 100,000 gallons of well water per day. Maintenance and improvement to the aquaculture facility will provide opportunities to conduct research on predation and disease issues relevant to trout aquaculture in Utah and throughout the northern U.S.
Project: Rocky Ford Canal Improvement Project
Amount: $3,000,000
Purpose: To conserve water by installing piping along existing canal and to utilize this resource to generate power through a turbine generator
Location: Beaver, UT
Recipient of funds: Twin M Conservation District, Beaver, UT
Explanation/Justification: Currently the Rocky Ford irrigation canal is approximately 15 miles of dirt ditch, resulting in large amounts of water loss. This loss can be identified through water sinking into the ground as well as evaporation into the air. The Rocky Ford canal has the water rights to water up to 20,000 acres of farmland; however, due to the inability to get this water to these allotted acres there is a large reduction of acreage that can actually be farmed. The funding will be used to improve the irrigation system by installing a pipe to transfer water, several ponds to stage the water and sink it into the ground during the irrigation off-season, and to install a turbine generator in order to harness the water and create an energy source for local use.
Project: Santaquin Agricultural and Equestrian Heritage Center
Amount: $1,000,000
Purpose: To establish an equestrian and western heritage center in Santaquin
Location: Santaquin, UT
Recipient of funds: City of Santaquin, UT
Explanation/Justification: A full service equestrian and western heritage center will include an indoor and outdoor arena suitable for auctions, markets, and other retail opportunities as well as exhibit space with attached educational centers. Preliminary market studies and estimates show high, steady, and in many cases growing demand for agritourism. Initial studies estimate the center will attract over 70,000 participants per year and provide economic benefits of $45 million annually. The center will serve to make the family owned farm more economically viable. Santaquin is projected to triple in size over the next 10 to 15 years. The center will help maintain the heritage and agriculture of the community by making local farming and its related activities more profitable. Managing the growth of the area is critical to maintaining the integrity and agribusiness of the community.
Project: Spanish Fork River Enhancement; Wetland Creation and Trail Project
Amount: $650,000
Purpose: To create a wetland for flood prevention and control and a walking trail for educational and recreational purposes
Location: Spanish Fork, UT
Recipient of funds: City of Spanish Fork
Explanation/Justification: The Spanish Fork River Enhancement, Wetland Creation and Trail Project constitutes a pro-active approach to flood prevention and open space preservation. The proposed project area is prone to flooding, especially when there is a quick spring runoff from the nearby mountains. The potential damage to nearby homes and agricultural farmland that would result from a flood would be devastating. The proposed buffer zone would alleviate much of this burden by improving the stability of the river channel and limiting the risk of flooding. The wetland created by this project would also improve water quality, supply water for recharge, provide habitat for wildlife and vegetation, and minimize erosion. This project would also create an interpretive trail system through the wetland that would help the public identify wildlife and vegetation in the area and emphasize the importance of preserving them.
Project: Utah Conservation Initiative
Amount: $5,000,000
Purpose: To provide support for conservation projects within Utah that meet NRCS qualifications
Location: Utah
Recipient of funds: National Resources Conservation Service will receive the funding, and then provide grants to eligible entities within the state of Utah.
Explanation/Justification: Funds are used to provide support for conservation projects within Utah that meet NRCS qualifications.
Project: Water Resources and Management During Climate Change
Amount: $1,500,000
Purpose: To develop more efficient drought planning management based on extreme weather events rather than climate averages.
Location: Logan, UT
Recipient of funds: Utah State University
Explanation/Justification: Longer and more extreme droughts are likely to occur based on greater climate variability. Therefore, planning management for drought must be based on extreme events rather than climate averages. Future droughts will severely limit water supplies, damaging agricultural production and threatening future economic growth without adequate information, planning, and action. The current program at USU is building on products and information developed under the completed Drought Management, Utah project. Utah State currently fully utilizes the most comprehensive water supply forecasting measurement site in Utah for water supply research and forecasting.
Project: West Beaver County Russian Olive Mitigation Project
Amount: $150,000
Purpose: To eliminate invasive plant species along the Beaver River that are reducing the amount of available water and impacting local wildlife
Location: Beaver, UT
Recipient of funds: Twin M Conservation District, Beaver, UT
Explanation/Justification: The west end of the Beaver River, which has been a vital part of the economical, ecological and recreational uses of the local population and wildlife of west Beaver County, runs from the Minersville Reservoir to the town of Minersville, Utah. This river is the life blood for the agricultural industries found in the west part of Beaver County. It also provides a large area that is critical for wildlife habitat. The river has been over-run and completely over-populated with Russian olive trees, tamarisk and other invasive species. These invasive species have not only encroached upon the availability for wildlife to access the river but has seriously reduced the amount of water available for use. This project would follow a stream restoration plan designed to eliminate these invasive species through mechanical processes.
Project: Wet Vacuum Surface Pathogen Sampling System
Amount: $5,500,000
Purpose: To create a more mobile device for sampling surfaces for bacteria
Location: Bluffdale, UT
Recipient of funds: Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc., Bluffdale, UT
Explanation/Justification: The Microbial-Vac (M-Vac) provides a revolutionary new approach to collecting microbial samples. The M-Vac is a hand-held, non-destructive, wet-vacuum surface sampling device that incorporates Liquid-Assisted Microbial Detachment and Capture technology to more efficiently collect surface microorganisms from virtually any surface. This technology has proven 3-5 times more effective in collecting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens than current non-destructive methods in use by the food industry. This funding would be used to design and manufacture a more portable M-Vac System that can be easily used by USDA inspectors, fresh produce workers, and first responders.
Project: Mormon Cricket, Utah
Amount: $500,000
Purpose: To control Mormon cricket populations on public lands in Utah
Location: Utah
Recipient of funds: APHIS
Explanation/Justification: Mormon crickets are highly mobile and destructive pests that originate from federal public lands and invade private property. These insects breed on public lands and migrate in large numbers to private agriculture land. When they swarm, they cause vast damage to cultivated vegetation, range forage, and soil, and are major pests to the communities in their path. As the steward of the public lands and as a good neighbor, it is the federal government's responsibility to control and mitigate these pests before they move onto private land and cause damage. These funds are matched with state and private dollars to further the effectiveness of this program.
