Dr. Bonnie Baxter, professor of biology and director of Westminster's Great Salt Lake Institute, penned an op-ed for The Salt Lake Tribune on how Utah could convert potential federal investment into saving Great Salt Lake:
Water is what Utah’s iconic salty lake needs, so how do you turn money into water?
The federal government has sent money our way in the past few years, including tens of millions of dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Saline Lake Ecosystems Act. The state of Utah has contributed tens of millions of dollars, as well. This money pays for water leasing, upgrading infrastructure, ecosystem monitoring and purchasing water rights. These investments are coupled with action from Utah including the development of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s office, the Watershed Enhancement Trust and the Basin Integrated Plan.
My perspective is that of a lake lover. I’ve researched Great Salt Lake for the better part of three decades, and as a professor, have mentored many students in doing the same. I serve on state committees that manage the lake, and I’m an author of many scientific articles and books on this important ecosystem.
