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Sunday, June 7, 2020

New money for economic development


Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
                                                                                  
RANDOLPH, Utah. June 3, 2020.  The State of Utah has authorized $200,000 to each rural county for economic development.  Mitch Poulsen, Director of the Bear Lake Regional Council (BLRC) and Brian Carver, Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG) told County Commissioners that this was an exciting opportunity.  

The legislature also set aside $600,000 for competitive funding for new projects.  An Economic Development Board of at least 5 members needs to be created to administer these funds.

Projects to be funded include business assistance, tech assistance, workforce development,  infrastructure development such as needed business or industrial space.  It can also be used to develop better broadband internet.  

Commissioner Sim Weston suggested that the county needs help with sanitation issues with more equipment for garbage disposal as the crowds increase every year and the county is overwhelmed now.   A business incubator could also be considered or revolving loan funding.

Utah Association of Counties has sample resolutions to use to create the Board and bylaws.  Carver said that the money can be used for SBA matches or micro loans or seed money for startups. 

CARES (a federal program for COVID 19  economic assistance) has money too and the State money could be used to match these federal dollars for a project.

CARES Act also gave $400,000 for the region for economic development in addition to the money BRAG already gets. EDA money, will provide for staff, travel, and studies.  Rich County will get $30,000. BRAG wants to put one staff member in Rich County as perhaps a shared position between Bear Lake County, Idaho and Rich County.  BRAG is currently working with Idaho to flesh out that idea.

There are also CDBG COVID 19 relief funds.  BRAG is working with the Rich Senior Citizen’s kitchen to make improvements.  They are also funding some emergency response needs.

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