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Kane County authorizes grant applications for economic development and Zion-area transportation
Summary
Commission approved a $200,000 rural county grant award, authorized a FLAP application up to $5 million for Coral Peak Sand Dunes Road, and approved pursuing up to $10 million in federal grants for Zion-area transportation planning and shuttles; votes were unanimous.
At the Nov. 12 meeting the Kane County Commission approved several grant-related actions intended to support local economic development and to respond to upcoming changes at Zion National Park.
The commission gave after-the-fact approval to the county's FY24-25 Rural County Grant Program award from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity for $200,000. Kelly Stowell, who identified himself as chair of the County Economic Opportunity Board, said the county routinely applies for the maximum $200,000 and that individual projects recommended by the local board will return to commissioners for approval.
On transportation, staff outlined a strategy to seek Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) funds to bolster Coral Peak Sand Dunes Road, citing a projected increase in oversized vehicle traffic if Zion National Park restricts certain vehicles through mid-2026. Commissioners authorized submittal of a FLAP application for up to $5,000,000; the commission discussed a 20% match requirement and noted existing federal appropriations and UDOT’s role in implementation.
The commission also authorized staff to pursue federal grants (capital and operating support) for shuttle or other transportation services east of Zion, approving pursuit of opportunities up to $10,000,000. Commissioners said they would seek grants that minimize county match obligations where possible and return for further approvals if a match would obligate county funds.
All three motions carried unanimously, and staff were authorized to proceed with application steps including assembling letters of support and coordinating with regional partners and the association of governments.
