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Support the SPET

Date: 2022
Status: Completed

The Water Quality SPET was the #1 supported SPET measure on the November 2022 ballot!

In 2022, POWJH’s efforts to promote the Water Quality Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) measure resulted in $10 million being allocated to projects aimed at protecting and restoring the community’s water resources. This measure passed with record voter support — the most supported SPET measure ever — and is already funding vital projects like the Hoback Water & Sewer District’s new clean drinking water distribution system. It will continue to support future WQMP initiatives.

THANK YOU for voting Yes.

Your vote is your voice and it was loud and clear – Teton County residents want clean water.

Proposition #15 received more votes than any other ballet measure on the November 2022 ballot.

#15. Teton County Water Quality Projects
$10,000,000 to fund water quality projects that will protect and improve surface and groundwater resources in Teton County, such as the Wilson sewer project, the Town of Jackson stormwater pollution prevention project, and projects to be identified in the Teton County Water Quality Master Plan (WQMP).
This project is sponsored by Teton County. 

Why should I vote FOR the Proposition?

There are once-in-a-generation funding opportunities now available for clean water. We cannot lose out on these once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunities to improve our aging water infrastructure. Let’s ensure clean water is a right for every citizen of Teton County — now, and for the future.

We need matching funds to secure federal funding.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) contain significant funding dedicated to water and wastewater treatment infrastructure that are once-in-a-generation funding opportunities now available for clean water. However, these funding opportunities will require the Town and the County to provide matching funds.

If this does not happen, we could lose out on significant available funding for clean water.

The required matching funds from the Town and County must be in place in order to receive the state and federal funds allocated to water and wastewater initiatives from the ARPA and IIJA.

Additional funding is available.

Previously, there was a minimum of $100 million per year for the next five years in funding available at the Wyoming state level through State Revolving Funds (SRF) for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

On May 13, 2022, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an additional $1.9 billion in grant funding to SRF to accelerate progress and upgrades on water infrastructure projects.

We have an opportunity to make a significant impact on water quality now, and for future generations with these funding opportunities.

Signal to our Elected Officials the importance of clean water for our community.

Teton County is currently facingwater quality issues around Hoback Junction and impairments on Fish and Flat Creeks. Our community has an opportunity to prioritize clean water through the upcoming Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET).

Two critical initiatives are moving forward toward clean water in our community now.

  • Teton County has launched the Water Quality Master Plan
  • The Town of Jackson has also taken direct steps to address water quality recently, including a study to evaluate the capacity and expansion of the current sewer and municipal wastewater treatment facility, a stormwater study, and a commitment as a community to prioritize water quality. 

Despite these critical steps, the real work is yet to come. Now is the time for the public to stay engaged, involved, and educated to ensure the County Commissioners and Town Councilors prioritize water quality in future funding decisions, specifically through the upcoming SPET ballot. 

SPET News

Clean Water for SPET

  • October 25, 2022
  • Buckrail

Our community has an opportunity to prioritize clean water through the upcoming Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET). Once-in-a-generation Federal funding opportunities are now available for clean water and wastewater treatment...

Protect Our Water JH and Wyoming Outdoor Council: ‘Fund clean water’

  • May 6, 2022
  • Buckrail

There are once-in-a-generation funding opportunities now available for clean water. The American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act contain significant funding dedicated to water and wastewater...

Related Projects

Advocacy

2022 Candidate Conservation Forum

Date: Oct - Nov 2022
Status: Completed

The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance and Protect Our Water Jackson Hole hosted the only candidate forum focused on conservation on October 25, 2022.

Education & Outreach

2022 Vote For Water Quality

Date: Oct - Nov 2022
Status: Completed

Leading up to the local 2022 election, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole talked with local candidates about how they planned to prioritize water quality, alongside other community needs, once they are in office, raising awareness for the issue both among candidates and with the public.

The time to act is now.
Donate Volunteer

Support Protect Our Water Jackson Hole today to help us preserve and protect the Snake River watershed for future generations. Take action through volunteering, donating, putting best-practices in place, and raising awareness among community members.

Get Involved