County receives annual $200k for econ development

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County commission received $200,000 for economic development, approved public health items and provided comments on roads in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at their latest meeting.
At their October 15 meeting members of the San Juan County Commission approved receipt of the 2025 Utah Rural County Grant contract with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
The annual grant will provide the county with $200,000 for economic development initiatives including the annual economic development summit, as well as the annual grant process with businesses in the county applying for funds to spur economic growth. 
County Administrator Mack McDonald also mentioned this year may include funding to go towards Main Street projects.
Members of the commission unanimously approved the receipt of the annual grant.
San Juan County commissioners also approved a letter voicing the county’s opposition to a proposed rule that would restrive Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) and street legal All-terrain vehicles (ATV) to use certain roads within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
County Public Lands Coordinator Nick Sandberg shared the draft letter with the commission.
While the closure was recommended as part of a settlement agreement between complaintaints and the National Park Service, Sandberg says the agreement does allow the park service to retain discretion for implementation for the proposed closures.
“So I guess that’s a crack in the door or, not necessarily a loophole, but supposedly the park service could decide not to close those roads even though the court settlement agreement says that’s what’s recommended.”
The closure for OHV and ATV’s could include Dry Mesa, Muley Point and John’s Canyon Road.
Sandberg noted those roads are currently open to travel by OHV and street-legal ATVs and are popular routes, noting that the John’s Canyon Road is one of the routes on the annual San Juan ATV Safari.
Members of the commission approved the submission of the comment letter.
Members of the county commission also approved an interlocal agreement with the Navajo Nation for upgrades related to election accessibility.
Staff explained the state had contracted with the Utah Disability Law Center to assess and provide funds for accessibility upgrades at polling stations on the Navajo Nation.
As a result, San Juan County will address minor improvements at locations using a standing contract with Tri-Hurst Construction.
The $17,000 reimbursed by the state will help resolved accessibility issues at Red Mesa, Montezuma Creek, Navajo Mountain and Aneth chapter houses.
McDonald explained those upgrades will be for outside the building likely including ramps as well as making sure there are dedicated ADA parking stalls.
Members of the county commission also approved agreements and contracts related to public health at their latest meeting.
Members of the commission approved an extension of a contract with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality through the end of 2024. The extension will provide the newly hired county environmental health director with additional time to undergo training and procure needed equipment.
At the meeting the commission also approved renewal of a contract with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services related to the administration of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
WIC provides expectant mothers, and recently postpartum mothers as well as children under five years old with funds for healthy foods as well as providing nutrition education. Admittance to the program is based on income guidelines.
From January 2023 to September 2024 the program’s monthly participants ranged from about 200-230 per month. Cards are loaded with benefits after appointments every three months. 
Public Health Director Grant Sunada explained while most WIC appointments are held at their main office in Blanding they are also doing appointments once a month in a mobile unit on second Wednesdays in Monticello and in Bluff on third Wednesdays.
Commissioner Sylvia Stubbs shared her witness as a childcare provider of the transformative benefits of the program, noting the detrimental effects of inadequate nutrition for young children.
Members of the commission unanimously approved the agreement with the state.
Members of the commission also approved the annual State Homeland Security grant, The program includes over $121,000 for the county to go towards maintenance of the Emergency Management program in the county.