Utah State University | USU 2026 Legislative Priorities

Utah’s Statewide Water Need

Water scarcity and related problems threaten Utah’s economic, ecologic, and social prosperity, and policymakers need pragmatic solutions. State agencies and others have turned to Utah State University to help them navigate the related technical and societal challenges surrounding water, and the needs continue to grow. 

USU’s Proposal to Meet the Need

USU has historical and institutional strength in understanding and managing Utah’s water. This expertise, spanning colleges, departments, and statewide campuses, is needed in the state more than ever. Restructuring and rethinking USU’s expertise will create increasing returns in water education, statewide problem solving, and regional impact.

USU proposes the addition of eight new faculty members in water- and air-related disciplines, who will deploy cutting-edge research techniques to address urgent and complex water issues throughout the state.

USU’S Water Expertise

Through partnerships and coordination across USU colleges and the Office of Research, the university is defining roles, functions, and essentials within USU to better anticipate and respond to water needs throughout the state. Additionally, the university recently directed $250,000 in its strategic reinvestment plan towards building the Utah Water Network. USU’s water expertise is represented by three key research and outreach programs, which have integrated and aligned missions:

Utah Water Research Laboratory: UWRL conducts scientifically sound research to guide water management decisions, while also providing student academic and workforce training.
Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air: ILWA works with policymakers and other external groups to guide and facilitate science-informed decisions.
USU Extension: USU Extension serves the statewide public by connecting them with applied water research and best practices.

By leveraging this already existing infrastructure, USU is formalizing connections with state agencies, non-profits, corporations, local and county governments, federal agencies and funders, and other institutions of higher education to create a statewide network of faculty and other experts to build better collaboration and greater capacity to serve the state of Utah.

Outcomes

Expand Utah’s ability to respond to critical water challenges via new faculty expertise.
Further identify and address statewide water challenges through highly coordinated research.
Create and convene a network of water experts across the state.
Develop research roadmaps and work with state agencies to implement coordinated and effective interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research.
Develop statewide education and outreach programs (including stackable credentials) to reach Utah’s broader community and improve water-use practices.
Engage new expertise and disciplines in solving water challenges, including AI, data analytics, business, and education.
Enhance co-benefits that come from university research, including workforce development, intellectual property, economic development, and community engagement.