The following press release was sent out from the Office of the Governor on January 12, 2009.

 

 

Governor Huntsman Nominates a New State Engineer
 
Salt Lake City, Utah - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has nominated Kent L. Jones as the new Utah State Engineer and Director of the Division of Water Rights.  The nomination has been sent to the Utah Senate for consideration.  If approved by the Senate, Jones will officially replace Jerry Olds, who retired in December 2008.
 
"Water is one of our most monumentally important natural resources and is the key to our continued growth and success," Governor Huntsman said.  "Kent has done a great job for the state and I am glad he will continue to serve in this critical capacity."
 
"I am deeply honored to be considered for the position by Governor Huntsman," said Jones.  "I will strive to bring the professionalism, patience and understanding that I have learned in conducting more than 2,000 water rights hearings around the state."
 
Jones has been responsible for reviewing all applications filed for water use in the state.  His experience also includes directing the well drilling program, dam inspections and administering the Stream Channel Alteration program.
 
"We conducted an exhaustive interview process and we are pleased with the Governor's selection," said Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Mike Styler.  "Kent has worked with Water Rights and Water Resources for 28 years, serving as Assistant State Engineer for the past 21 years, so the transition should be seamless."
 
The fight with Nevada over the Snake Valley water is just one of the high profile projects that Jones will inherit.  "Water is our most precious resource and careful adjudication of its use and ownership is crucial to the long-term viability of the state," said Jones.
 
Jones is a professional engineer, graduating in 1975 from Utah State University with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.