Potpourri of Economic Development Items

By Sun Advocate

Two years ago, the Utah Legislature toured our area. As part of the tour, Carbon County Economic Development proposed an aggressive, pro-active, legislative bill for economic development in rural Utah. In February 2001, with the help of Representative Brad King and Senator Mike Dmitrich, the legislature passed the bill. It became effective this year with an allocation of $300,000. The Refundable Tax Credit is available to nine rural counties. Carbon County had 10 applications. It appears they will receive the entire amount. Over the next three years, Carbon County’s top three applications proposed hiring over 32 full time jobs while investing over $1,994,000 in new buildings and equipment. If the companies perform as promised, they will receive $150,000 ($50,000 each) next year and $150,000 in the following two years. If one of the top three do not perform, the funds will be awarded to the fourth place company. These funds will strengthen the companies and will be a real benefit to Carbon County.
In April of 2001, Bart Hansen from Zions Bank and Delynn Fielding from Carbon Economic Development flew to Phoenix, Arizona to visit a company about opening a plant in Price. The slowing economy and 9-11 almost stopped the move. Finally, with great support from Price City, and a financial concession and sacrifice by Pro-Carbon, the company is preparing the previous Koret location for occupancy. The company will make its own announcement in the next few weeks.
The final resolutions and ordinances will be passed in the next two weeks by Price City and Carbon County for establishing the East Price Redevelopment Area. In another six weeks, the Economic Development Areas will be finalized on Ridge Road. This effort began in earnest last August. These projects are valuable tools to have in place for improving these areas and strengthening the economy of Carbon County.
Don’t forget the mini job fair on September 18, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.