Commission appoints economic development board members and authorizes pursuit of RCOG grant to implement Garden City charette ideas

Rich County commissioners appointed several members to the newly proposed economic development advisory board and authorized county staff to pursue a competitive Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) application, which would fund implementation steps from a Utah State University charette for Garden City.

Why it matters: If successful, the RCOG award (applications can be up to $600,000) would provide state funding for projects tied to economic development and infrastructure that the county and local businesses say would help manage seasonal tourism pressure and support workforce needs. Commissioners authorized an application for up to $125,000 with a 10% local match requirement.

Nikki Weston, representing the economic development board, and Sean from the Bear River Association of Governments presented the proposed board membership and asked the commission to confirm appointments. The slate included Tammy Lenhart, Nikki Weston, Joel Marler, Cam Bell, Thad Willis, Curtis Moldenhauer, Mark Alexander and others; Mitch Paulson and the BRAG director were proposed as ex‑officio nonvoting members. "We would like to ask that Tammy Lindhardt, myself, and Mark Alexander stay on for 2 years," Weston said.

Commissioners unanimously approved the appointments after a motion and second. The commission then discussed a potential RCOG application. BRAG staff explained RCOG eligibility and noted a 10% required match for Rich County. They proposed a $125,000 application to help convert USU charette planning work into tangible projects—cited examples included off‑street public parking, streetscape improvements and land acquisition or title work to secure public space.

A long discussion followed about likely project types, match sources (county funds set aside from prior grants, Chamber money or private funds), and whether both Garden City and the county could submit separate or coordinated applications. "If they both want money for the same project... the state would say it doesn't sound like you two are coordinated," a BRAG representative said, recommending coordination where projects overlap.

Commissioners asked the economic advisory board to refine project details and provide input and authorized staff to submit the application by the October 31 deadline. A motion to allow staff to pursue the RCOG application (up to $125,000) was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote.

Ending: Staff and the newly appointed economic development advisory board will meet to refine the application scope, identify the match source (10%), and coordinate with Garden City to avoid overlapping requests. The county will submit the RCOG application by the end of October.