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Emery County board approves funding push for industrial-park master plan, urges staff to seek matching money
Summary
The Emery County Economic Development Board voted to fund creation of a master plan for an industrial park north of the research center, while directing staff to pursue matching grants and county funding so more of the existing grant pool can remain available to local businesses.
The Emery County Economic Development Board voted to fund development of a master plan for an industrial park north of the county research center and asked staff to seek additional county or external funding to help cover costs.
Board members agreed the master plan is intended to show infrastructure needs — sewer, water, power, curb, gutter, roads and drainage — and to create lot layouts that would make the site marketable to private partners. A board member estimated the plan would cost roughly $80,000–$100,000; several members said bids could come in lower and free up money for other uses.
Patsy, who leads the county’s small-business grant review, said the master plan work would help attract more grant and private investment. "We have 30 applicants this year," she said, noting many requests are for expansion, new buildings and equipment. Deborah, who worked on prior grant applications, told the board the county previously applied for a Rural Communities Opportunity Grant for the master plan cycle and was not awarded; she said a completed plan would strengthen future applications.
A motion carried to proceed with the master plan using county funds available now, with the caveat that staff pursue CIB or other matching funds and grant opportunities; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with at least one member recorded opposed. Members asked staff to draft an RFQ for engineering work and to aim to have the plan in place in time to improve competitiveness for fall grant cycles.
Board members said they would continue to explore funding sources including CIB cycles, county-held reserves and multijurisdictional coalitions. The board emphasized that if outside funding is secured, those dollars would free up county grant funds to support local businesses.
The board requested updates by email and follow-up at the next meeting so members can review bids, available balances and any matched funding before final contract awards.
