Latest news with #Friant
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Engineers give Utah infrastructure a high grade, but say levees and canals need improvement
A canal flows through south-central Utah. (Getty Images) Utah has some of the best infrastructure in the country when compared to other states, although its canals and levees are in need of repair. That's according to the American Society of Civil Engineers' report card, released Thursday, which gives the Beehive State an overall C+ grade. That's tied with Georgia and Wisconsin for the highest score of all U.S. states and territories. 'A C+ means our infrastructure is meeting the needs of Utahns, but there's still room for improvement,' said Craig Friant, a civil engineer who worked on the report. 'This is a sign that we're doing things well here in Utah.' While the state has one of the highest grades, the rest of the country is not far behind. The national grade is C, and most states and territories received a C or C- grade — South Carolina and Louisiana each received a D+, West Virginia received a D and Puerto Rico received a D-, the lowest grade. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, or ASCE, an A grade is defined as exceptional and fit for the future; B is good and adequate for now; C is mediocre, requiring attention; D is poor and at risk; and F is failing, requiring critical attention and unfit for purpose. The report lists 12 separate areas of infrastructure for each state. Consider Utah's report: Aviation: C+ Bridges: B Canals: D+ Dams: C+ Drinking water: B- Hazardous waste: C+ Levees: D- Roads: B+ Solid waste: B- Stormwater: C Transportation: B- Wastewater: C The majority of the state's levees and canals are old, according to the report — most levees are more than 60 years old, and many of the state's canals were built in the 19th century for irrigation purposes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The report also noted that data isn't readily available for levees and canals, which poses another risk. 'These are systems that protect households and businesses from flooding, yet we don't know their condition in many cases, which is a major public safety hazard,' said Friant, who pointed to outdated levees in Salt Lake County that protect residential areas from flooding during runoff or storms. These levees don't currently meet the Army Corps of Engineers standards, putting them at risk of being delisted — if that happens, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, could eventually reclassify the land surrounding the Salt Lake City International and Provo City airports as flood plains, according to the report. That could 'drastically' alter how the land is assessed and insured, engineers say. What can the state do to boost its grade? The report gives several recommendations, including more analysis and better funding when it comes to infrastructure. 'Specifically, detailed written plans are critical for the areas of water resources, canals, transportation, transit, and waste management,' the report reads. 'The state should be providing consistent financial support for project improvements, maintenance, resiliency, and risk reduction through reliable funding streams year after year that facilitate this planning.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Prioritizing funding for bridges is another recommendation. Even though Utah received a B, engineers say many of the state's bridges are nearing the end of their 'service lives.' The state should also increase funding for its Dam Safety Program. Utah currently has hundreds of dams considered 'high hazard,' which means if they fail, it would cause severe damage and loss of life. That includes the Panguitch Lake Dam, which showed signs of seepage last year after cracks appeared near the top, likely the result of ice pushing up against the concrete. The roughly 1,700 residents of Panguitch were put on notice to prepare for evacuation, but crews were able to break the ice away and stabilize the dam. Utah has a big, expensive and potentially dangerous dam problem To avoid a repeat scenario, the report recommends the state dump at least $10 million each year into the Dam Safety Program and try to rehabilitate all dams within 50 years. 'An increase to $20 million per year would allow faster repairs but could still require 25 years for all required repairs,' the report reads. Bolstering 'multi-modal' transportation options — like expanding bus or train networks —is another recommendation as the state deals with rapid population growth. And lastly, Utah should make sure the Great Salt Lake reaches and remains at healthy levels — replacing canals with pipelines will help reduce evaporation, and could ultimately result in more water flowing to the lake, according to the report.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Southwestern inspired $6million California estate with jaw-dropping views holds a secret past
An extraordinary Southwestern inspired California estate with insane views has hit the market with a whopping $6million price tag - but the breathtaking property hides a secret about its past. The sprawling 6,362-square-foot estate, nestled in the rolling hills of Friant, California, is perched on a ridgeline with spectacular panoramic views. The Santa Fe-inspired mansion offers 360-degree views of Table Mountain, Sierra foothills, Friant Dam, and the San Joaquin Valley, according to the listing on Sarah Hedrick Realtor. The home was created when a Fresno couple made an impulse decision during a 1990s road trip that would transform both the landscape and local emergency services training forever, as reported by th e Fresno Bee. According to a news release about the property, the adventurous pair spotted a For Sale sign while driving near Lake Millerton and immediately recognized the potential of the stunning location. 'When a Fresno couple saw a For Sale sign while road-tripping near Lake Millerton in the early '90s, they didn't just see a stunning ridgeline property - they saw potential,' the press release states. They traded their existing home plus $100,000 to secure the coveted plot of land. The home's inviting pool is the perfect place to take a dip at the end of a long day 'What followed was a labor of love to design and build a private architectural compound from the ground up,' the press release continued. But the property's intriguing history continues from there. Rather than simply demolishing their previous residence, the couple donated the entire structure to local SWAT teams and fire departments, who used it for tactical training exercises. They blew it up in the name of public safety before building their dream home. The resulting architectural masterpiece now features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Hedrick describes the home as a 'masterpiece of craftsmanship' blending 'timeless finishes w/refined architectural detail'. The property presents traditional Southwestern elements including authentic Saltillo tile flooring, hand-troweled walls and soaring ceilings throughout. It comes complete with luxury amenities including a resort-style swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, home theater and tennis, pickleball, basketball courts. A seating area in the sprawling home is seen above The resulting architectural masterpiece now features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. One of the bathrooms is pictured above Multiple living spaces provide accommodation for both intimate family gatherings and larger social events. A view from the property is seen above Inside, the formal dining room and gourmet chef's kitchen offers an elegant setting for entertaining. 'The chef's kitchen boasts travertine counters, a Wolf range with six burners, three ovens, a warming drawer, Subzero fridge, dual copper sinks, a mini wine fridge, ice maker and two pantries.' Multiple living spaces provide accommodation for both intimate family gatherings and larger social events. 'The living room features a gas fireplace, custom cabinetry, & double sliders opening to a resort-style pool,' the listing writes. 'A flexible living space serves as a soundproofed home theater, office, guest quarters with courtyard access.' For the wine connoisseurs, there is a dedicated cellar for storing prized bottles. And for car lovers, there is a 3,000-square-foot garage, which is the size of an average American home. An observation deck offering panoramic views completes the outdoor entertainment options The outdoor spaces are impressive, featuring a tennis court for sports enthusiasts, a putting green for golf practice and a cozy outdoor fireplace The outdoor spaces are impressive, featuring a tennis court for sports enthusiasts, a putting green for golf practice and a cozy outdoor fireplace. An observation deck offers panoramic views. Additionally, two separate guest homes provide luxurious accommodation for visitors. 'The primary suite offers a fireplace, sauna and steam shower, jetted tub, cedar-lined closets, and double sliders to the outdoors.' 'A rare retreat offering luxury, privacy, and premier amenities,' the listing concludes.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
It looks like a regular home from the outside... but $4.8M pad is ridiculed for 'ugly' interiors
Social media users have mercilessly mocked a multi-million dollar mansion in California for its 'ugly' design. The sprawling 9,200-square-foot property in Friant, California has been listed for a whopping $4,750,000. The property, located at 22144 Oak Glen Lane in Friant's 93626 zip code, was described by Zillow Gone Wild as being in 'arguably the mansion capital of the world.' 'Here's a nice mansion in Friant, California, which is arguably the mansion capital of the world. It's in 93626, which is 3416 more than 90210. Enjoy,' the caption states. The estate appears relatively normal from the outside but inside lies a maximalist design with myriad textures and patterns. The luxurious property is located in the prestigious Brighton Crest community. It includes seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. There are panoramic views of Millerton Lake and surrounding hills. According to the listing by Christopher Byrnes of Landmark Properties, the luxury estate features multiple kitchens, wine cellars, game and media rooms. The property, located at 22144 Oak Glen Lane in Friant's 93626 zip code, was described by Zillow Gone Wild as being in 'arguably the mansion capital of the world' It also has expansive windows designed to take in the scenery and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Outside, potential buyers will find a resort-style yard with an infinity pool, swim-up bar, outdoor kitchens, enclosed cabana and newly built guest house. The property also comes equipped with smart home upgrades. It has Control4 and integration for intuitive voice control of lighting, shades, climate, security and A/V systems. 'A private elevator, spacious suites, and multi-generational living options make this estate as functional as it is stunning,' the listing writes. But all these impressive amenities could not distract Instagram users when the property was featured on Zillow Gone Wild. Followers immediately started roasting the home's interior design choices, with one commenter joking: 'Did this person make their fortune selling texture?' Others likened the interior design to an Olive Garden restaurant or a Romano's Macaroni Grill. The criticism continued with comments pouring in about the home's chaotic aesthetic with one calling it a 'texture overload.' One commenter wrote: 'This entire home is a Magic Eye puzzle book.' Another wrote: 'I'm begging for a solid. I can't tell where anything starts or stops. The pool is the only solid, and it's flipping water.' The home's furniture and design choices also were slammed with one commenter asking: 'How many Muppets gave their lives for that living room furniture?' Another simply described the entire property as 'If a house were a migraine...' 'Was there a discount on hexagonal marble tile at mansions 'r' us?' another user joked. But some fans defended the house, admiring its bold design.
