Governor's office presents draft rural economic blueprint; county commissioners give feedback

August Granath, who directs the rural-economic blueprint program at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, presented a draft plan the county has been developing in partnership with state staff, local mayors and commissioners. "The purpose is to advise on the development of an economic development plan," Granath said, summarizing six goals: maintain and grow core industries, diversify the economy, support workforce development, maintain necessary infrastructure, invest in residents' quality of life and create implementation mechanisms.

The draft lists specific projects, including support for an energy lab and adjacent industrial park master plan, inventorying parcels with renewable-energy access, water-resource development (including potential low-elevation reservoir near the town of Emery), housing-site inventories and targeted city projects (main-street beautification, RV hookups, sewer improvements). Granath said the plan is intended to be a living document that identifies potential funding sources (rural county grants, CDBG, CIB) and suggested the county create an implementation committee and designate staff to ensure follow-through.

Commissioners praised the effort but raised concerns about accountability structures, funding sources and the potential implications of major energy transitions (e.g., natural gas or other fuel shifts) on local jobs. One commissioner asked how 'sufficient funds' to implement the plan would be identified; Granath replied the state offers a $200,000 annual rural-county grant and other fund sources but that allocation choices remain for local decision-making. Commissioners requested edits for clarity and agreed Granath should finalize the draft and return for ratification after incorporating local feedback.