Utah leaders are extending a deadline for projects that may help bring water to the Great Salt Lake because they say the ongoing government shutdown makes it challenging to coordinate with federal agencies. The Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office had set a Friday deadline for government agencies, nongovernment organizations, institutions and private entities to submit their proposals to receive a share of $53 million in grants for projects that support the Great Salt Lake or its wetlands. However, it’s been pushed to Jan. 16, 2026, to allow more time for the state to organize planning with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.