Frequently Asked Questions

Please also refer to our Informational Brochure for additional information.

Why do we need a delta restoration project? The Provo River Delta Restoration Project is needed to restore a naturally functioning delta ecosystem to facilitate recovery of June sucker, a fish endemic to Utah Lake and listed as a Threatened Species. The current condition of about the last 1.5 miles of Provo River does not support a healthy ecosystem as it once did. June sucker are particularly impacted by its deep, channelized (artificially restricted by dikes) nature. To restore natural conditions and greatly improve the ecosystem, to the benefit of all fish and wildlife, it is necessary to restore a naturally functioning delta.

How would a delta improve current conditions? The habitat a delta ecosystem provides would allow us to overcome the primary obstacles limiting June sucker's survival and growth to reproduce, which is one of the steps necessary to achieve June sucker recovery and ultimately its removal from the Endangered Species List.

But I like all the existing trails, fishing, wildlife, and recreational opportunities? Recreational development will be an integral element of the project. While portions of some existing trails will be relocated, interconnecting trail systems will still be integrated into the project, along with a wildlife observation tower, non-motorized boat access, angler-access parking areas and more. The existing Provo River channel will remain, will have a more consistent water level and will also have new recreational amenities added.

Wouldn’t the project create a lot of mosquito habitat?  Mosquitoes are another major concern raised by many individuals. The extent to which the project would increase mosquito habitat was analyzed and described in the project's Environmental Impact Statement. The Mitigation Commission will continue to provide funding to Utah County for monitoring mosquito populations in the project vicinity. This information will be used to guide mosquito control efforts as we begin to construct the project.

Why save the June sucker? The June sucker is an indicator species and the fact it is struggling indicates a larger problem with the Utah Lake ecosystem. By helping June sucker, we help the ecosystem in which it lives, which has benefits for fish and people alike. Moreover, the livelihood of the June sucker is tied to area water development. Past water development in Wasatch and Utah Counties contributed to the endangerment of June sucker; the Endangered Species Act requires we take measures to recover June sucker to ensure continued development and operation of water projects to meet current and future water needs.

How will the existing portion of the river be affected? The downstream-most section of the existing Provo River channel will still be there and will receive a guaranteed minimum flow of water. A small dam will be constructed at the end of the channel, near Utah Lake, to maintain a relatively constant water level year-round, and an aeration system will be installed. Other improvements will include non-motorized boat launches and fishing access points.

Is hunting allowed? The project is closed to the public during construction. After construction is complete, we expect the Provo River Delta will be selectively open for managed hunting, subject to all State and local laws and ordinances relating to safety. Hunting is in line with the mission of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the agency that will manage the property long-term. The Division anticipates that hunting will be an important component of land and wildlife management at Provo River Delta and believes hunting can be done responsibly and sensitively and can help teach people about the ethical responsibilities of land stewardship.

How was the land acquired for this project? Landowners within the desired project footprint were approached with offers to purchase their land; purchase agreements were reached on all required parcels . The project footprint was reduced to balance project needs with land that could be acquired on a willing-seller basis.

What is the construction timeline? The overall project timeline is 5 years. Construction activities began in March 2020 and are expected to be complete in 2024.

How much will the project cost? The PRDRP is a feature of the Central Utah Project (CUP) and is currently estimated to cost approximately $51 million. This amount represents about 1.7% of the cost of building the CUP.

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  • Project funds include annual Congressional appropriations and interest from a mitigation account created with contributions from the State of Utah, Western Area Power Administration, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, and federal appropriations.

  • About 50% of total PRDRP costs are for land and construction of the restored delta. About 20% of the costs are for recreation features and improvements to the existing river channel, and the remaining 30% covers modifications to road projects and utility lines to accommodate the delta project.

  • The Provo River Delta Restoration Project (PRDRP) and progress toward June sucker recovery are required components of the Diamond Fork and Utah Lake Systems of the Central Utah Project (CUP).

  • The CUP is a federally-funded series of reservoirs, tunnels, and pipelines that supply 1.2 million Utah residents along the Wasatch Front and Central Utah with water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.

  • Authority for the CUP and the PRDRP came from the Central Utah Project Completion Act of 1992.