This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Although small business owners say they're more optimistic, they're still being cautious when it comes to borrowing.

Thomson Reuters and PayNet, which track loans and leases taken out by small companies, say their small business lending index fell 8 percent in January from 134.0 in December. The index is up 4 percent from a year ago.

PayNet, whose database of small business borrowers is used to compile the index, attributes the drop to a respite following heavier year-end loan and lease activity.

Surveys taken in January, including ones by two advocacy groups, the National Small Business Association and the National Federation of Independent Business, showed business owners are generally more upbeat and looking to hire.

WETLANDS REGULATION

President Donald Trump has taken a first step toward the modification or withdrawal of a federal regulation that seeks to expand government jurisdiction over bodies of water. Trump last week issued an order directing the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the Waters of the United States rule, which would shield many small streams, wetlands and other bodies of water from pollution and development.

The Obama administration regulation issued in 2015 has not yet taken effect because it is the subject of litigation that may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. Opponents of the rule, including landowners, farmers and small business owners, contend it imposes unfair limits on the use of private lands. Environmentalists and hunting and fishing groups are among the supporters of the rule.

One concern raised by small business groups is that the rule would prevent companies from making improvements to the land without going through a lengthy and expensive permit process.

Federal judges would have to dismiss the suits before the rule can be withdrawn and rewritten. But a new rule could also face legal challenges, which means it can take years until a regulation takes effect.

TAX HELP

Small business owners looking for some tax tips can get some from an online seminar sponsored by SCORE, the organization that gives free counseling to small companies. The seminar will be held March 16 at 11 a.m. Mountain time. You can learn more and register at http://bit.ly/2mbuhMZ