Governor's Executive Order 2004-0010: Creating the Water Delivery Financing Task Force

Issued: October 26, 2004

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EXECUTIVE ORDER

Creating the Water Delivery Financing Task Force

WHEREAS, water is critical to Utah's future;

WHEREAS, experts predict that even with effective conservation, legitimate demand for water in some growing areas of the state within the next 20 to 25 years may exceed the supply of available water;

WHEREAS, proposals are being developed to deliver underutilized water resources from some areas of the state to other areas that will have greater need in the future;

WHEREAS, these proposals include a Lake Powell pipeline and a water delivery system for the Bear River;

WHEREAS, the planning of large water delivery systems is complex, takes many years, and requires much foresight in order to time project completion to coincide with future need; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the technical and regulatory aspects of planning these projects, policymakers must have a clear idea of how to fund a project well in advance of final approvals;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Olene S. Walker, governor of the state of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws and constitution of the state of Utah, do hereby order the following:

1. There is created the Water Delivery Financing Task Force.

2. The task force shall evaluate options for financing the proposed Lake Powell pipeline and Bear River system projects and recommend preferred options for financing of each.

3. Options considered shall:

a. take into account all reasonable revenue sources and financing, including bonding;

b. specify responsibility for payment, with users bearing the ultimate responsibility for payment;

c. provide for repayment to the state of any funds loaned or otherwise fronted for the projects; and

d. maintain the state's AAA bond rating.

4. The task force shall consist of 12 to 16 members appointed by the governor as follows:

a. the state treasurer;

b. the director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget;

c. the director of the Division of Water Resources;

d. one to three members of the Utah Senate;

e. three to five members of the Utah House of Representatives;

f. three representatives of water conservation districts affected by the two proposed projects;

g. a competent financial advisor to the state on matters of public finance; and

h. a representative of the Office of the Governor, who shall be a non-voting member.

5. Members of the task force shall serve without per diem or expenses.

6. Terms of members serving on the task force shall correspond to their terms of service in the relevant state or water conservation district office.

7. The state treasurer shall serve as the chair of the task force, plan agendas, and call meetings.

8. The Governor's Office of Planning and Budget shall provide staff support.

9. A majority of the task force constitutes a quorum for voting purposes, and all actions shall be by majority vote of the quorum in attendance.

10. The task force may meet as often as necessary to perform its duties.

11. The task force shall welcome and consider input from affected groups and individuals, including officials of affected political subdivisions of the state.

12. The task force is empowered to establish committees and working groups.

13. The task force shall make a recommendation to the governor by July 1, 2005.

14. The task force may remain active after July 1, 2005, for follow-up work until the expiration date of this order.

15. This order expires December 31, 2005.

IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the state of Utah. Done at Salt Lake City, Utah this 26th day of October, 2004.

(State Seal)

OLENE S. WALKER
Governor

ATTEST:

GAYLE F. MCKEACHNIE
Lieutenant Governor

2004/0010

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