County approves $200,000 CEOA grant application to fund economic development, AV upgrades and regrants

The Daggett County Commission voted on July 15 to approve a CEOA rural county grant application for 2026 that seeks the state maximum of $200,000 and outlines multiple local uses.

Peggy White, who works in economic development and tourism, explained the application breakdown: $63,000 proposed for economic development funding (to support salaries, retirement and insurance for development staff and training backup staff), $35,000 to complete audio-visual upgrades for the county Innovation Hub room, $2,000 for workforce training, and $100,000 set aside for regranting to local businesses.

"The idea is that it will go into fund 22," White said, adding that the grant money is intended to avoid drawing on the county general fund for staffing and program costs. She described prior successful regrants that helped small businesses expand seating, add refrigeration to preserve product, and buy equipment that created new revenue opportunities.

A commissioner moved and seconded approval of the application as outlined; the motion passed on a voice vote. The motion authorized staff to prepare and submit the CEOA grant application with the specified line items. The commission did not appropriate local matching funds at the meeting beyond confirming the requested budget allocations in the application.

County staff will prepare the grant application for submission and follow state CEOA application requirements. The commission's approval allows staff to complete the application and pursue the $200,000 award for the 2026 program year.