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Emery County approves state grant applications, trail funding and tourism marketing contracts
Summary
The commission approved an $82,000 state task force grant application for the sheriff's office, two OHVR grants for trails equipment and crew funding (including a request for $10,000 per year), renewed GoTravel marketing at $2,250 annually, and authorized an RFQ for videography and photography assets.
The Emery County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved multiple grant applications and contracts intended to support law enforcement, trail maintenance and tourism marketing.
Sheriff’s Office: Commissioners approved submission of the county's annual state task force grant application for the Emery Grama drug task force. County staff said the grant award request this year is about $12,000 higher than last year, bringing the ask to $82,000.
Trails and equipment: Andy from the travel/trails office described two applications to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (OHVR). The first seeks equipment and supplies for the trails crew — items listed included a jackhammer, generator and culverts — and staff confirmed matching contributions may include in-kind labor from partner land agencies and leased trucks. The second application requests continued funding for two part-time trails crew positions for 2025–2026; staff said prior grants provided roughly $7,200–$7,500 annually and this year's request is $10,000 per year to cover additional wages and increased machinery use. Commissioners approved both contracts.
Tourism marketing and media procurement: Travel office staff described a 20-year relationship with GoTravel sites that provides automated lead emails and weekly spreadsheets; staff presented the cost as $2,250 per year and commissioners approved continuing the contract. The commission also authorized advertising an RFQ for local videography and photography to build a library of assets after a recent rebrand; the travel board advised up to $7,500 this year and commissioners approved issuing the RFQ.
Facilities support: Commissioners approved donating two large portable AC fans to Castle Dale's Blue Sage Arena for event use and directed purchasing replacements for the road department so departments retain required equipment during large events.
Why it matters: The actions secure operating funds and equipment to maintain recreation trails, support sheriff's drug-taskforce work, and continue tourism outreach that generates leads for local businesses and events. Several of the grants rely on matching contributions or in-kind labor and are contingent on state awards.
What’s next: Staff will finalize applications and contracts and proceed with the RFQ advertising; updated budgets and grant award notifications will determine final implementation.
