By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Rep. Mike Kennedy has been hard at work introducing legislation. His most recent initiative aims to address the long-term drought issues in eastern Utah through the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act.

This legislation would transfer 124 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to the City of Price for the creation of a new reservoir in the area.

Cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, the bill requires that the land be used for public purposes, including water infrastructure and related improvements. In 2024, the Price City Council reviewed the results of an Environmental Impact Study on the proposed project, with engineering firm Horrocks engineering explaining that the purpose of this is to improve the efficiency and reliability of the water system while minimizing any potential downstream impacts. 

“Thoughtful water policy is important for Utah’s future. That is why I introduced the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act: to give central Utah the tools needed to construct new water infrastructure and significantly enhance drought resilience,” stated Rep. Kennedy in a social media statement. “This vital measure will allow Utah families, farms, and businesses to prosper for generations to come.”

Thoughtful water policy is important for Utah’s future. That is why I introduced the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act: to give central Utah the tools needed to construct new water infrastructure and significantly enhance drought resilience. This vital measure will allow…

— Rep. Mike Kennedy, M.D. (@RepMikeKennedy) October 21, 2025

Speaking to Castle Country Radio, Price City Mayor Michael Kourianos said of the proposed legislation,” Water infrastructure is the backbone of rural communities like Price. Since becoming mayor, I’ve worked to strengthen our watershed, upgrade storage capacity and plan responsibly for long-term drought resilience.”

He continued,” This new Upper Price River Watershed Project Act is another important step forward for central Utah, and it aligns with the work we’ve already been doing locally to protect our water future.”

“The people of Price have taken the steps necessary to secure their community’s water needs and protect against the next cycle of drought,” said Sen. Lee. “The years of planning that have gone into this project will provide a stable supply of water for homes, farms, and businesses across the region. I’m proud to be part of an effort that will ensure Utahns have the tools they need to endure and adapt to the realities of a changing West.”

The BLM land acquired by Price as a part of this bill would be used not only for the reservoir, but also to reroute Consumers Road around the reservoir site. The proposed dam would be almost twice the size of the Huntington Reservoir, which is 4,000 acres, while the proposed project for Price covers 7,500 acres.

This is not the only water project the city currently has under construction. In September, the City Council approved the authorization of up to $14 million in taxable water and sewer revenue bonds to help construct mainline improvements. The current water line was built in the 1930s, creating a sense of urgency to update the infrastructure.

“Utah has always led with practical, locally driven solutions and the Upper Price River Watershed Project is no exception,” said Sen. Curtis. “I’m pleased to support this effort to secure central Utah’s water future with the same foresight and resilience that built our state.”