Not many Utah residents know about the Bear River Development, but all of them are already paying the cost. Progressing from right of way acquisition to reservoir sites is a significant step towards making sure this project gets completed.

At capacity, this reservoir alone could store as much as 600,000 acre-feet, that is twice the size of Jordanelle. Members of the legislature are now pursuing a multi-million dollar purchase of 5,000 acres for a preferred reservoir site in Whites Valley-an undeveloped area north east of Tremonton.

This ninety-mile long system of pipes could bisect the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, disrupting critical wetlands and habitat in the process. Since 2021, the DWRe has spent millions of tax-dollars purchasing right of way allotments for the construction of the Bear River Pipeline. While this project is decades away from completion, individuals and agencies are taking significant steps to see the BRD through. This account is expected to accumulate upwards of $60 million each year it remains in place.

Since 2016, the Watershed Infrastructure Restricted Account (WIRA)-designated for the BRD and Lake Powell Pipeline-has accrued more than $150 million by taking a portion of the state’s sales tax revenue. Utahns and anyone passing through the state are already funding the Bear River Development. This price tag puts annual repayment obligations for conservancy districts at a minimum of $18.2 million per year without the cost of water treatment, operation, and management. Cost estimates for the BRD range from $1.5 to $2.8 billion, which is already being subsidized by Utah tax-payers. In fact, it stands as the largest proposed water development in the western United States. The Bear River Development is no small task.

Bear river entertainment center