Blanding city gets update on White Mesa water pipeline, approves policies to promote growth in city, recognizes firefighters for their work

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Blanding City Council approved policies to encourage additional housing, recognized firefighters and got an update on the potential water line to White Mesa at their latest meeting.
Members of the Blanding City Council received an update on the proposed water connection line to the White Mesa community at their July 22 meeting. 
Earlier in 2025, the City of Blanding received a letter from Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Chairman Manuel Heart inquiring about city interest in allowing residents at White Mesa to tie in to the Blanding culinary water system.
The council first heard of the proposal back in April, and were agreeable to look into the possibility.
The letter from Chairman Heart said that the tribe would be “responsible for the planning, design, alternatives, and construction of the potential water transmission line. The Tribe will also ensure an open line of communication with the City and other stakeholders throughout the process.”
The tribe originally floated the idea of running wastewater up to the city sewer ponds, but city officials shared their expectations in recent meetings that the challenges related to uphill sewer lines would be a no go.
City Manager Trent Herring said that tribal and city officials had positive conversations about the potential project with discussions about the city water rates, as well as adequate water rights, improvements to the water system and accompanying infrastructure to make the connection possible.
Herring said the discussion is ongoing but relayed the latest meeting was positive. “This is years in the making. They do have access to certain funds that we may not have access to, but we’re keeping the idea open to how it can benefit Blanding City and White Mesa all at the same time. It’s worth discussing.”
Members of the council also approved an ordinance updating the R2 zoning after months of work from the planning and zoning commission. Officials say the change will allow landowners more flexibility and promote the construction of more units in the city. 
Members of the council also approved a one and two lot subdivision ordinance. The ordinance streamlines the city process to split lots, so long as they are surrounded by existing infrastructure including curb, streets and utilities.
The ordinance applies to all zones and officials also anticipate it will facilitate additional building within the city.
At the meeting public hearings were held for both amendments to the city R2 zone and one/two lot subdivisions. No comments were given on those issues during the public hearing.
Members of the council also approved resolutions related to billing for water and sewer utilities. The updated resolution allows landlords and property managers options for billing for utilities.
The option allows the city to bill tenants directly or have the property managers take on the responsibility themselves for both water and sewer utility charges.
Members of the council also approved a 40-year contract with JM Grover Enterprise and others for the use of effluent discharge from the city lagoon for irrigation of hay fields.
The contract’s validity will be dependent on approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of water rights for the effluent water.
Members of the council also got an update on the approved $157,000 upgrade to the city airport fuel system, which will significantly improve fueling speeds.
Funding was secured with only $15,000 coming from the city general funds with the project slated to be completed this fall.
During the public comment portion of the meeting members of the council heard from a representative with JL Hunt Properties about a proposed zone change at 500 South and 300 East.
The proposal would change the R2 zone to mobile home zoning with the aim of addressing the need for rental housing in Blanding.
An emphasis was placed on the ideal nature of the location noting it neighbors existing trailer courts and is also near city property.
The change has been approved by the planning and zoning commission and is scheduled for a public hearing and possible approval on August 12.
Members of the Blanding city council also discussed a possible update to the education policy that would require a payback clause for employees whose education is funded by the city to ensure a return on investment for employee training.
City staff and council also took some time to recognize and express gratitude to firefighters from both Blanding and Monticello for efforts on recent fires, specifically the Westwater and La Sal incidents.
The council commended the volunteers for their work to reduce damage to life and property through decisive and unshrinking actions. 
Council also received an update on planned crack seal projects on the city roads.
The $725,000 project includes $500,000 from the city, with $225,000 from the transportation special service district.
The plan includes a two-part approach with the city purchasing a new crack sealing machine and an additional compressor to improve internal efforts.
The plan also includes external contracting to supplement internal efforts by the city.
Members of the council also received an update on water conditions with city reservoirs at 67 percent capacity as of the July 22 meeting.
Water accumulation is reportedly significantly below average for this time of year.
At the meeting council also received word that the city has updated its state-required water conservation plan.
Last revised in 2020, the new plan has been submitted and approved by the state with the council approving the plan at an upcoming meeting.