Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) has announced that Gunnison City will receive $5 million in Community Project Funding for the Tarr Canyon Water Development Project. The funding is part of more than $46 million allocated to Utah’s water infrastructure and rural communities through 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.”
Gunnison Mayor Lori Nay also commented on the announcement: “We appreciate the hard work of Representative Owens and his staff to secure this funding. 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 Tarr Canyon Water Development Project will finance the construction of a new drinking water well located about eight miles from Gunnison City. The project aims to benefit the city’s approximately 3,500 residents as well as 1,800 inmates at the Central Utah Correctional Facility by improving water capacity and providing reliable access to clean drinking water.
Other related allocations include $7.5 million for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, which supports municipalities serving populations under 10,000 by ensuring safe drinking water sources; $23.9 million for the Circuit Rider Program—an increase from fiscal year 2025—that provides technical assistance to small municipalities and rural systems; and $10 million for a multi-state regional technical assistance grant aimed at expanding training for local water and wastewater systems.
Burgess Owens has represented Utah’s 4th District in Congress since 2021 after replacing Ben McAdams. He was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1951 and currently lives in Salt Lake City. Owens earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in 1974.
