Economic diversification can take many forms and Duchesne County is utilizing EPA grants to redevelop vacant or underutilized properties in the area. According to Duchesne County Community Development Director Mike Hyde, paired with UBAOG, Duchesne County hired Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to conduct assessments of properties that historically housed businesses such as gas stations, bulk fuel suppliers, and truck shops that may have left ground contamination or asbestos when they closed thus making them difficult to sell for redevelopment. Stantec identified 504 properties in Duchesne County with some kind of environmental record and now work has begun to prioritize which sites are located in active commercial or industrial areas where redevelopment could create jobs and economic activity. UBAOG and Duchesne County are also inviting nominations of sites in the community with environmental concerns that may qualify for the program. Participation in the program will identify existing redevelopment issues at no cost to the owner, seller, or buyer, helping make redevelopment projects financially viable. For more information, call
435-738-1151
.
