New TLA housing project in Montezuma Creek?

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission approved an agreement to upgrade the county library Wi-Fi, moved forward on a Pack Creek watershed program, and showed support for a housing project in Montezuma Creek at their latest meeting.
At their April 16 meeting, members of the County Commission approved a letter supporting the sale of State Trust Lands to build housing near Montezuma Creek.
The State Trust Lands Administration (TLA) received interest to sell around 45 acres of property located north of Montezuma Creek, with an interest from Utah Navajo Health System to build employee housing.
TLA looks for input from local entities on sales of land and members of the county commission unanimously approved a letter in support of a potential sale leading to additional housing.
Members of the commission also approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to become a cooperating agency during the upcoming Lisbon Valley Mine Plan Modification and environmental impact statement by the Bureau of Land Management.
A County staff report shared that the proposed modification includes the expansion of pit mining operations and the addition of in-situ drilling for fluid recovery of copper.
The county commission also approved an MOU to work with the Utah Education Network to expand access of internet services in the public libraries.
The county library estimates the upgrades would save the county $20,000. The program is aimed to modernize Wi-Fi, by funding hardware, infrastructure, and software upgrades to improve the Wi-Fi reach and access.
Members of the commission also approved a notice of award and intent to negotiate a contract for the Pack Creek Emergency Watershed Protection Projects.
Members of the commission approved the resolution for Redoubt Restoration, Inc. to act as the Construction Management/General Contractor Services on the project.
The proposal received was below the fixed limit construction cost at approximately $1 million. A staff report shared the project is in coordination with the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). The majority of the project will be funded through an emergency grant due to the nature of the 2021 Pack Creek fire.
The local match requirement for the grant is provided through fees associated and assessed through the Pack Creek Water Company.