APRIL 2022
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
2022 Legislative Session Recap By Mayor Trent Staggs The 2022 Utah Legislative Session came to a close on March 4. Over the 45-day session, our state legislators passed over 500 bills that covered a wide range of issues from tax cuts, criminal justice, water conservation, and education. This year was also unique due to an increase in onetime funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was passed by Congress back in 2021. In response, our state legislators had the opportunity to decide how best to spend the remainder of the state’s ARPA funds in a way that best maximizes their potential.
our water bills exactly how much secondary water we use, versus what the recommended use is, we will conserve. This has proven to be true in parts of the state where it has already been implemented. In a previous legislative session, the state had mandated secondary water meters be installed at the city’s expense. HB 242 reduced this unfunded mandate by allocating $200 million of state ARPA funds for secondary water meters. These funds will be dispersed through a matching grant program that provides a state match of 70% during the first two years and then decreases at different intervals every year until 2030.
While Riverton City has already completed phase one of our secondary metering project, we still need about $10 million dollars to close out phases two This year, we and three. took a special With access interest in “...state legislators had to our own House Bill 242 the opportunity to decide ARPA funds, – Secondary how best to spend the and the newly Water Metering established Amendments. remainder of the state’s grant program In a time of ARPA funds in a way outlined in H.B. drought, the 242, we will be ability to educate that best maximizes their able to provide the public on potential.” secondary water use is a meters to the strategic step rest of our city to protecting without incurring our precious any additional debt. This will allow water resources. While H.B. 242 us to keep secondary water rates at mandates water suppliers to meter their current levels. all secondary connections by 2030, it does not require the city A second bill we closely monitored to charge based on usage. The was House Bill 151 – Retail Facility hope is that by demonstrating on
RIVERTON REVIEW | APRIL 2022
The 2022 Utah Legislative session came to a close on March 4. Over 500 bills were passed in the 45-day session.
Incentive Payments Amendments. Unlike H.B. 242, I was a staunch critic of this piece of legislation as it would have severely restricted the ability to provide incentives to retail businesses inside our newly established Community Reinvestment Areas that reside in front of Riverton City Hall and Riverton City Park. Luckily, through the hard work of our city lobbyist, the Utah League of Cities & Towns, and our local legislators, multiple exceptions were included within H.B. 151 that will allow us to move forward with developing our two CRA areas and help us bring in new retail and dining options to Riverton’s east side. Ultimately, this year’s legislative session was a success and I want to thank Senator Dan McCay, Senator Lincoln Fillmore, Representative Candice Pierucci, Representative Mark Strong and Representative Susan Pulsipher for their continued support and hard work in representing the great people of Riverton.
Come enjoy an Easter tradition with the kiddos at the Riverton Bunny Hop! Families make their way around Riverton City Park visiting stations to get candy or prizes and to participate in fun Easter activities. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance for a quick visit and photo with the kids. Families may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and begin their participation at any station. Kids 12 and younger welcome.
Saturday, April 16, 2022 Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Teen Egg-Streme Chase Chase the clues, win prizes!
Clues will lead teens to safe local destinations throughout Riverton to get candy and prizes. Pre-registration online is required to participate.
Friday, April 15, 2022
This event is FREE for Teens 13 – 18 years. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/teen-easter
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