UBAG compiles 2025 one-year CIB priority lists; board approves compilation unanimously

Uintah Basin Association of Governments staff and representatives from local cities, water/sewer districts and special service districts presented their one-year project priority lists for the 2025 Community Impact Board (CIB) funding cycle, and the UBAG board voted to approve the compiled one‑year lists unanimously.

UBAG staff emphasized application deadlines, eligibility and presentation strategy at the start of the hearing. Nate, UBAG staff, told attendees that projects are advantaged when they are "shovel ready" and urged applicants to "please stay away from emergency projects," saying the board often scrutinizes or declines emergency requests. Kevin, UBAG staff, walked attendees through procedural requirements: entities must submit their one‑year lists to UBAG for review, provide current contact information, and return required capital asset inventories so projects are eligible for CIB review. UBAG staff reminded applicants that the state submission deadline is May 1, 2025, and that applicants should also send a copy of their CIB application to the UBAG regional planner two weeks prior to the trimester deadlines so UBAG can review it before the board meeting.

The meeting served two functions: (1) an informational tutorial on maximizing CIB application success and (2) a public airing of one‑year project lists from individual entities. UBAG staff said a tutorial session will be held April 17 at the Vernal City office building and attendance (by an elected official or staff representative of the applying entity) is required to apply. Nate and Kevin advised applicants to ensure minutes from sponsoring public hearings are complete and specific and to send a knowledgeable representative to the CIB board meeting who can accept terms if funding is offered.

Individual presenters summarized project priorities and dollar requests. Highlights included: - Ashley Valley Sewer Management Board: influent pump replacement ($1,600,000; $800,000 local match), infiltration and inflow study ($250,000; 50% local match) and a sewer master plan/model ($250,000; 50% match). UBAG staff noted projects under $100,000 are reviewed by state staff and do not require a CIB board appearance. - Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District: raw water line reline (phase 2, $2,500,000), water-quality structure improvements ($895,000), fire-flow improvements along Highway 40 ($2,000,000), various water/sewer studies (estimated $150,000) and sewer system improvements ($1,500,000). - Joint Jensen Unit Pumping Plant Phase 1 (UANA Water Conservancy District / Gassy Valley / Vernal City): feasibility, environmental studies and preliminary design, $5,000,000 total (phase 1 request) with participating entities listed as co-applicants. - Ballard City: street improvements and sidewalk projects including a 1,500 East transmission line (water pipeline) and chip‑seal/street maintenance totaling multi‑million requests (examples: $1,200,000 for improvements on 1000 South/1500 East; $2,000,000 for 20.1 miles of chip seal; $2,000,000 for a 1‑mile water transmission line). - Transportation/road projects submitted by the county/transportation district included Independence Road phase 2, Stanton Road and Sunshine Bench Road reconstruction, identified as high‑need due to heavy truck traffic and oilfield impacts. - Uinta County: county building north entrance ADA upgrade ($2,000,000 total; $1,000,000 requested from CIB), Search and Rescue building or addition ($2,000,000; $1,000,000 requested), road department complex replacement ($10,000,000; $5,000,000 requested). - Jensen Fire Suppression Special Service District: rescue and brush trucks (no match specified at the time of the hearing). - UBAG/ Basin Transit Association: new bus facility and office/training space, $3,500,000 (staff said they are seeking federal and state funding sources in addition to CIB).

Presenters and UBAG staff traded questions on matching funds and coordination. Multiple speakers encouraged applicants to identify other funding sources (grants, local matches or partner contributions). A UBAG board member who had previously served on the CIB board recommended applicants bring matching funds to strengthen applications and to pursue combined or joint projects where possible.

After the presentations, a UBAG member moved to approve the compiled one‑year CIB priority lists as presented. The motion was seconded and the board voted "Aye" with the chair announcing the motion "passes unanimously." No roll‑call votes were recorded in the transcript.

What this means next: UBAG staff will prepare a revised compiled list incorporating any changes requested during the hearing and will circulate it for one more review before submitting to the Office of Housing and Community Development and the Utah Community Impact Board by the May 1, 2025 deadline. Entities were reminded that missing the deadline will delay consideration until the next trimester and that a copy of any CIB application must be provided to UBAG for review at least two weeks before the trimester submission date.

Votes at a glance: UBAG board — approval of compiled 2025 one‑year CIB priority lists; motion passed unanimously.

The hearing closed after brief final remarks thanking participants and reminding them to pick up the latest policies and procedures packet at the back of the room.