Dixie flood loan is in works

The money could be on its way soon, Valentine said. The price tag for the damage is expected to exceed $150 million. But for the first time in years, lawmakers have a sizable surplus to spend — $237 million, plus another $370 million in new money.

Fast action is warranted, said House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Salt Lake, because of the threat of more flooding once the snowpack in the mountains above the area begins to melt.

"We want to get this $25 million short-term loan to them as quickly as possible," Curtis said. "If we don't move quickly so they can address some of the repairs to the river and the stream bed, we'll have more significant flooding in the spring."

The state is still waiting for President Bush to declare the area a disaster to trigger federal assistance. Huntsman said he expects the declaration by the end of the week, which would provide an as-yet unknown amount of money from Washington. FEMA would send a response team to the state within 24 hours of a presidential declaration, the governor said.

Lawmakers may add money to the state's revolving loan fund, now at about $6 million, Valentine said, depending on how many applications for the money are made. The fund is typically tapped by local governments to finance dams and other infrastructure projects.

Also Wednesday, lawmakers announced the Utah Department of Transportation is coordinating with the federal government to repair eight bridges and several miles of damaged roads. Local communities may have to contribute to the financing of those projects.

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