Owens Secures $5 Million for Gunnison City Water Project

WASHINGTON – Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) announced $5 million in Community Project Funding for the Gunnison City Tarr Canyon Water Development Project, part of more than $46 million in total wins for Utah’s water infrastructure and rural communities included in the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. 

“For over a decade, Gunnison has faced an urgent need for a clean, dependable water source,” said Rep. Owens. “This $5 million investment in Utah’s Fourth District will build a new drinking water well in Tarr Canyon, relieve pressure on aging infrastructure, and ensure reliable water access for years to come. Utah is growing quickly, and smart infrastructure like this is essential to supporting our rural communities. I’m proud to deliver these results for my district and will keep working every day to get our state’s priorities across the finish line.” 

“We appreciate the hard work of Representative Owens and his staff to secure this funding,” said Gunnison Mayor Lori Nay. “This funding comes at a pivotal moment for us. We’ve been working to get a sustainable source of water since 2014. We can now move forward with the infrastructure that is critical to our community’s future. This funding, along with assistance from the State of Utah, makes this project possible. Again, we’re so grateful for Representative Owens’ efforts.”

The Gunnison City Tarr Canyon Water Development Project will fund the construction of a new drinking water well in Tarr Canyon, approximately eight miles from Gunnison City. The project supports the city’s 3,500 residents and 1,800 inmates at the Central Utah Correctional Facility by relieving pressure on aging infrastructure, increasing water capacity, and ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water for years to come.

In addition to the Gunnison City project, the legislation delivers several investments championed by Rep. Owens to strengthen Utah’s small and rural water systems.  

• $7.5 million for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, which assists all municipalities serving populations under 10,000 and all water districts to ensure safe, protected drinking water sources.
• $23.9 million for the Circuit Rider Program, an increase over FY25 levels, providing direct technical and operational assistance to small municipalities and rural water systems to safeguard public health.
• $10 million for a multi-state regional technical assistance grant, expanding regional support and training for local water and wastewater systems.

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