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Local lawmakers seek state support to buy and preserve Sunnyside coke ovens near East Carbon
Summary
Representative Christine Watkins and East Carbon community members asked the committee to fund purchase of about 181 acres containing historic Sunnyside coke ovens (WWII era) to prevent vandalism and create a heritage destination; the RFA requests roughly $242,700 including state parks transfer costs.
Representative Christine Watkins and Liz Ferguson, a former East Carbon city council member, asked the appropriations subcommittee to support a request for funds to purchase roughly 181 acres that include historic Sunnyside coke ovens and associated mining buildings.
Watkins said private owners had agreed to sell the parcel and carved the property out to enable local purchase; the stated purchase price in the handout is about $242,700, which the presenters said includes a $25,000 State Parks transfer cost. Ferguson described vandalism and brick theft at the site and urged preservation of the ovens as part of Carbon County—s mining heritage and as a potential tourist stop on routes to Moab and other recreation areas.
Why it matters: Local officials framed this as a modest, locally significant RFA that could preserve unique industrial heritage, provide a visitor stop for travelers and help sustain small communities that have lost coal‑related economic activity. The committee did not vote during the hearing; presenters asked the committee to consider the request in the voting packet.
