Utah Code § 73-23-3: Duties and powers of Division of Water Resources.

For purposes of this chapter, the Division of Water Resources:

(1) shall provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the West Desert Pumping Project;

(2) may enter into agreements as necessary to provide for all or any portion of the West Desert Pumping Project, including any indemnification agreements required by the federal government;

(3) may acquire land or any other property right by any lawful means, including eminent domain;

(4) is exempt from Title 63G, Chapter 6a, Utah Procurement Code; and

(5) may proceed without obtaining water right approval from the state engineer.