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Show 720 UTAH vironment.35 Also, another recent statute requires in certain instances that a permit be obtained from the State engineer before the bed or banks of a natural stream are altered or relocated. The proposed relocation shall be approved if it does not impair vested water rights, unreasonably affect any recreational use or the natural stream en- vironment, or endanger the aquatic wildlife.36 C. OTHER AGENCIES AT THE STATE LEVEL The department of natural resources, while having no direct re- sponsibility for water resource administration, is charged with effect- ing administrative coordination and cooperation among all natural resource boards and divisions. Both the State engineer and the divi- sion of water resources, to be mentioned shortly, are within this department and consequently subject to these administrative con- trols.37 The division of water resources operates under the board of water resources, a policymaking group appointed by the Governor. The functions of this division include administration of a revolving fund program to finance the construction of water conservation and de- velopment projects selected by the board of water resources. Funds are made available to local sponsoring groups, such as a mutual irri- gation company, which enter into contracts with the State and agree to repay, without interest, the funds advanced from the revolving construction fund. During the period of the agreement, the State takes and retains title to the project to secure repayment.38 The board of water resources also participates in any compact negotiation which involves Utah's interstate waters, and appoints individuals to represent the State on compact commissions created by compacts which have been signed and ratified. This is done in cooperation with the Governor and the department of natural re- sources.39 Several years ago, the division of water resources was assigned the responsibility of formulating a statewide water plan, and a number of interim reports, largely of a technical nature, have been published on this subject. However, the division is now in the process of formulating a plan which will discuss in some detail the possible alternative uses for Utah's remaining unappropriated water, and will also deal with the question as to how the State of Utah can meet its future water needs.40 D. AGENCIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL Utah has a number of statutes which provide for the creation of public water districts. These, of course, are separate and distinct districts, but they all have the objective of securing a water supply for the area which they were created to serve: 35 Utah Code Ann., see. 73-3-8. 30 Utah Code Ann., sec. 73-3-29. 37 Utah Code Ann., sec. 63-34-5, 63-34-6. 38 Utah Code Ann., sees. 73-10-4 to 73-10-8. 38 Utah Code Ann., sec. 73-10-3. *° Utah Code Ann., sec. 73-10-19. |
