A decline in Carbon County coal mining and low prices for natural gas delivered a one-two punch to county finances in 2015. The trend had been ongoing for several years and 2015 showed no relief from energy markets.
As a result, the Recreation/Transportation Special Service District has declared a freeze on new investments and the county government is facing another round of belt-tightening.
The county receives a portion of royalty payments for oil, gas and coal extracted from federal lands. When production and price decline, those royalty payments follow suit.
Meanwhile, Carbon and Emery Counties have joined with two other Utah coal-producing counties to try to invest $53 million in a port in Oakland. The objective is to open access to export markets in Pacific Rim countries. The state’s Community Impact Board has agreed to lend the money if the counties decide the project is feasible.
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