The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. This is a huge win for Utah. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator Cox said. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. 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. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. Attend a park strip class. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. Begin your application. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Gov. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is also updating and enacting a, Tasks the Utah Division of Water Resources to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment to look at how much surface and groundwater flow to the lake. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. The area within the public right of way between the curb and gutter and the sidewalk, otherwise known as the park strip, shall not be landscaped with lawn. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Photo: Kevin Cody. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Spencer Cox said that last summer he took a bit of criticism after he asked residents both religious and nonreligious to pray or seek divine intervention for rainfall to counter the effects of the drought. "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. 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. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. "As a city? Establish a statewide turf buyback program: Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of municipal and industrial water use. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. The Washington County Water Conservancy District has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. The law does require you to have "living grass." Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Choose from the dishes weve highlighted to plan your meal or start brainstorming your own meal plan a couple of weeks before to make sure you have time to shop and prepare. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. All rights reserved. The Utah legislature recently passed three important water billsfocused on water conversation in the midst of a historic megadrought, includingthe first statewide turf buyback program in the country. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. 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. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. I understand why they may want to use water more, but I think the restrictions we have been given are still enough to keep our yards from completely drying out, she said. We have to work with the resources on the ground, he said, but noted the paradox of having drought drive home the need for more water storage with the reality of less water available for storage. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. Photo: Paul Nelson), Teenager dies in two-vehicle crash near Moab, Bill mandating counties to provide homeless shelters, enforce camping laws passes Utah House, Economic committee hears from public on changing the Utah State Flag. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. This year, Utah's legislature passed bills that mandated water metering for landscaping, created a statewide turf buyback program, and set limits on turf at new state-owned buildings. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. "Grass is not the enemy. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Spencer Cox and Lt. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. 1/12/2022. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Asking people to conserve is not a bad idea in terms of our water usage, said Brian Steed, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Utah governor outlines four ways to conserve water in drought, Localscapes can help your lawn be water-wise, Bill package to eliminate food tax to be considered, Medicaid recipients must now re-qualify for coverage, What to watch for as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Bidens student loan debt relief plan, Looking for a New Winter Activity? A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. 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. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. 121. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Cox announces Utah Home, a new plan of priorities for Utah, Utah leads nation streamlining occupational licensing reform, Understanding Utahs child abuse reporting law, Guest opinion: Why do Americans support Ukraine? Removing lawn from your park strip will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand you can get cash for doing it. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. Landscape Consultations. 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.. a. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. "When a lot of these. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. 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