WATER QUALITY SPET MEASURE

In early 2022, POWJH saw an opportunity for a water quality Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) measure to fund the immediate priorities of the Water Quality Master Plan (WQMP). However, many thought our elected officials would not approve a water quality SPET.

We met with, presented to, educated, and convinced our town and county elected officials that water should be one of the top SPET ballot priorities. In June 2022, the Town Council and County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $10MM Water Quality SPET measure on the November ballot.

We then actively engaged to educate the community on why they should vote FOR Proposition #15: Teton County Water Quality Projects SPET.

Our outreach shared that Teton County already faces water quality impairments in Fish and Flat Creeks and drinking water issues around Hoback Junction. With the funding, our community would have an opportunity to prioritize clean water and reduce water pollution. Two specific projects addressed in the proposition included;

• Removing aging septic systems polluting the Fish Creek watershed by connecting them to the Wilson Sewer District.

• Stopping sediment, trash, and oil and grease from the 5 gas stations that line Broadway from polluting Flat Creek by installing stormwater systems.

#15: Teton County Water Quality Projects

$10,000,000 to fund water quality projects that will protect and improve surface and groundwater resources in Teton County, such as the Wilson sewer project, the Town of Jackson stormwater pollution prevention project, and projects to be identified in the Teton County Water Quality Master Plan (WQMP). This project is sponsored by Teton County.

Ultimately, the $10MM Water Quality SPET was the most supported ballot measure, not only in 2022 – but ever!

80% of voters supported the proposition, the greatest approval in SPET history.

Your vote is your voice, and it was loud and clear – Teton County residents want clean water. To learn more, visit: POWJH.ORG/SPET