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Flooding in Utah County is shown in this undated photo.

Courtesy Utah County Commission

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Flooding in Utah County is shown from above in this undated photo.

Courtesy Utah County Commission

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Flooding in Utah County is shown in this undated photo.

Courtesy Utah County Commission

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As summer begins and temperatures continue climbing, the Utah County Commission on Wednesday declared a state of local disaster due to flooding damage.

According to the commission, the county and its cities have incurred over $10.2 million in costs related to flood damage with only $2 million set aside in the budget for flooding. By issuing the disaster declaration, the county can apply for additional funding through the state and federal governments.

The declaration lists four cities that have been hard hit, saying areas impacted include — but are not limited to — Springville, American Fork, Spanish Fork and Santaquin.

“The scope of this incident is expected to further exceed the resources and capabilities of Utah County and affected cities with respect to financial resources, manpower, equipment and other capacities,” reads the declaration. “The area continues to be threatened with subsequential flooding events, depositing heavy water and debris, which could lead to further damage and potential risk of life, safety, welfare, and damage to public and private property, as well as public infrastructure.”

The declaration will stay in effect for 30 days unless it is either extended or ended early by the commission.

In addition to the declaration, the Utah Department of Public Safety lists five active flooding concerns in the county:

• On state Route 92 near Sundance, water is creating a new path along the shoulder and is beginning to undercut the roadway in the right lane. The Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Department of Transportation have coordinated to address the concern.
• A section of Nebo Loop Scenic Road in Payson Canyon has been washed out and will be closed until further notice. The county has been assessing and tracking the damages. Additional washouts and road closures have occurred at Right Fork Hobble Creek and Monks Hollow, and in Pole Canyon.
• A sinkhole is forming at the American Fork Boat Harbor. The road has been closed and local emergency management, local public works and UDOT have been on the scene to address the concern.
• A sinkhole was reported in American Fork at Fox Hollow Golf Club. The sinkhole has not been stabilized and the county is continuing to monitor.
• Since April 6, there has been a public notice to boil water in Vivian Park in Provo Canyon due to storage tank damage caused by an avalanche on March 23.

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