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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

$15 Million Allocated to Utah Wastewater Reuse Projects

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Tuesday, January 3, 2023   

The state of Utah has allocated a total of $15 million to wastewater re-use projects in Southern Utah.

The Southern Utah Reuse ARPA Grant Program has provided the funding to 12 municipalities, conservancies and service districts. It prioritizes projects to mitigate the impacts of drought in rural communities and in the agricultural sector.

John Mackey, director of the Utah Division of Water Quality, said the goal is to make the best use of Utah's water resources while simultaneously conserving them.

"As a result of these projects we will get better water quality," Mackey asserted. "We will have high levels of treatment, the levels of treatment needed for reuse of wastewater to make sure that the water is safe and that it is clean for all of its uses."

Mackey pointed out reusing wastewater is one way to conserve water and is considered an alternative source for communities.

Mackey acknowledged when most people hear about wastewater reuse golf courses come to mind, but wastewater is also used in irrigation and industrial processes such as helping cool power plants. The state is also considering using reclaimed water to recharge underground aquifers.

Mackey added there are already more than 20 municipal treatment plants reusing wastewater, and called the practice a good conservation measure, but it does come with its own set of challenges. As water supplies become more limited, concerns grow there is not enough water to keep streams and lakes full

"The state has taken a number of other efforts to try and help improve with water conservation," Mackey emphasized. "Agriculture water optimization is a good example. Just doing more metering of our secondary waters has been big investments."

State lawmakers created the initiative during this year's legislative session and allocated millions in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Developers must have projects completed by Dec. 31, 2026.


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