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Grand County commission directs staff to explore independent study of Arches reservation system's economic effects
Summary
After hours of public comment and a split debate among commissioners, the Grand County Commission voted 4-3 to explore retaining the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to review whether Arches National Park's timed-entry reservation system has contributed to local economic decline.
Moab — The Grand County Commission voted 4-3 on March 20 to explore hiring the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to expand analysis of the Arches National Park timed-entry reservation system and its potential local economic impacts.
Commissioners moved only to seek that outside review, not to fund it immediately. Commissioner Bill (mover) said the motion was intended to “explore the engagement of Kemsey Gardner Policy Institute to further expand on the Arches Reservation Systems impact on Grand County,” and stressed the action would only open discussions about a study.
The request followed public comment and a staff packet of economic material that proponents of the study said shows a sustained downturn in Grand County tax receipts and business revenue correlated with the reservation system. Christian Martinez, who placed the item on the agenda, told commissioners the county needs “an independent, up to…
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