Great Salt Lake: How Trump could help secure federal support

The article reports President Trump pledged federal help for the Great Salt Lake, and experts say restoring the lake will likely require billions of dollars as it sits near historic low levels.

President Trump has pledged to help address the declining Great Salt Lake. The authors say restoring the lake will require water and significant funding, with estimates ranging from $2 billion to $10 billion. The lake is near its all-time low and this winter's snowpack in Utah was reported as the driest on record. State law changes, philanthropic pledges, and water-right donations are described as elements that could support a federal-state effort. Key facts: - President Trump committed to provide federal assistance for the Great Salt Lake, according to the article. - Restoring the lake will require large amounts of water and substantial funding, with a cited cost range of $2 billion to $10 billion, while the lake remains close to historical low levels. - The article highlights market-based water leases, recent state water-law changes, and philanthropic and donor commitments as central tools; large engineering options are noted as significantly more expensive and slower to implement. Summary: The authors describe the lake's decline as posing regional environmental and economic risks, including effects on air quality, wildlife, and local industries. Undetermined at this time.