Sponsoring representative Patrick Painter of Nephi warns that the day will come with Utah will wish it did otherwise. Notwithstanding, fellow lawmakers shot down Painter's proposal to help fund a Lake Powell to St. George water pipeline by earmarking a portion of state sales taxes.
Under Painter's proposal, the state would set aside a portion of state sales tax to help pay for the $1 billion project. Water users would then repay the state for the loan.
Painter's proposal won the support of just one follow committee member. Other lawmakers argued that the project should be left to stand on its own. State senator Howard Stephenson questioned why Utah tax payers should be the bank.