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Show 84 the engineering and technical problems presented by the Piute and Hatchtown projects until the state's involvement with these projects ceased. The State Engineer also served on the Colorado River Commission and as a member of the Utah Water Storage Commission. In relation to the office's duties dealing with the private sector, the State Engineer approved the plans for fifty- seven reservoirs and accepted thousands of water right applications. The Board of Land Commissioners contributed to the development process as it made monies from the reservoir land grant fund available to individual farmers and private reservoir companies. After 1928 the land board worked to minimize the losses that outstanding private obligations caused to the reservoir land grant fund. Initially, the land board had remained willing to loan monies to interested parties who proposed workable plans for large reservoir and canal systems. As the effects of the depression years made themselves felt, however, this source of funding was discontinued. Policy Developments The state's water policy, after 1921, was a refinement of earlier developments and attitudes. Institutions were created that allowed the state to become more involved in the planning and design of federal projects and more attractive for such projects. The Utah Water Storage Commission, the irrigation and drainage districts, and the water users associations all helped Utah compete for project funding, which the federal government was willing to provide. This policy shifted the financial risk of the projects to either the federal treasury or the users of the water projects. It still guaranteed that the state, primarily through the State Engineer and the Utah Water Storage Commission, would be heavily involved in the planning, design, and prioritization of water development This involvement allowed water management officials to influence much of the pattern of water development throughout the state. |
