Economic Development Needs

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  October 4, 2017.  Mitch Poulsen,  Bear Lake Regional Commission and Bryan Carver, Bear River Association of Government  presented a proposal for an economic development plan as part of the Governors’s 25,000 jobs by 2020.

“Where do you see the county in 5 years or 10 years?” They asked commissioners.   Poulsen and Carver will also talk to the Chamber of Commerce about significant needs.

Commissioner Bill Cox said that high speed affordable internet to every residence and business in the county is needed.   Woodruff and Randolph internet is affordable and good, but Garden City is expensive and not as fast.  There is fiber optic cable in Garden City owned by CentraCom.  Carver asked if other providers could come in to provide competition. 

CentraCom put in the fiber with federal dollars.  Cox said the federal dollars were to provide low cost high speed internet, but now it is very expensive, basic service is around $100 a month.  It is not available at a low cost to Garden City or Sweetwater.

Cox also mentioned that the county needs Increased cell phone capacity especially during the summer months.  “And”, he said “ Adult Education classes would be good, especially in new technology."

Commissioner Tom Weston said that one of his goals is getting natural gas in the area.  Another is getting Rocky Mountain Power to add redundancy in the power lines.

Seasonal employees housing is needed especially in Garden City.

BRAG is working on a five year comprehensive plan, and will do a more  detailed plan. Enterprise zone 10% tax credit to businesses in the zone.  Rich County and Garden city are enterprise zones. 

Poulsen also talked about using a $25,000 grant to put in amenities along the beach including benches. And mile signs.  The $25,000 is flexible and can be used on the new proposed bike path to the Idaho line on the east side.