Uintah County commissioners approved a suite of agreements to advance the Service Canal Trail, including a donated easement from Utah State University (USU), UDOT construction and active-transportation agreements, and an interlocal maintenance agreement with Vernal City.

Matt Kazier of Community Development told the board the USU easement covers trail segments south from 500 North and parts that run along 500 North. He said signed copies are on file and asked the commission chair to sign for recording. Kazier noted USU "didn't charge us anything for the easement" and expressed that USU is enthusiastic about connecting the trail to campus and future development.

The commission approved construction license and an Active Transportation Cooperative Agreement with the Utah Department of Transportation; the record lists project funding at $4,500,000 with a local contribution of $0, funded through the Utah Trail Network and legislative set-asides. Kazier said UDOT (or UTN) could assume maintenance at a later date if necessary, but the plan anticipates the county taking over ownership and maintenance after construction is complete.

To address long-term upkeep, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Vernal City. Under that agreement Vernal City will empty trail garbage bins, perform weed control and vegetation management for its portion, and cover associated costs. The county will handle trail trash pickup and snow removal on county segments; other costs will be split based on the percentage of trail under each jurisdiction. The agreement is perpetual unless both parties agree to change it.

The board approved each item by voice vote. Staff said the trail will become county property when construction is complete and that a trails manager will coordinate yearly inspections with Vernal City's streets supervisor to identify maintenance needs and funding availability.

Next steps include recording the easement documents, executing UDOT agreements and moving forward with construction planning and coordination with the Utah Trail Network.