Collett's Recreational Services Inc., owner and operator of Flaming Gorge Lodge, eight miles south of Dutch John in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, has received a $490,000 loan for expansion and improvements to the lodge.
The expansion includes the addition of 24 new motel units and remodeling of the restaurant to handle the anticipated 10 percent growth in customers in the coming years, said Craig Collett, CRS president.Zions First National Bank provided a portion of the loan along with Deseret Certified Development Co., the authorized distributor of Small Business Administration 504 loan funds. Opened in 1958 and acquired by the Collett family in 1971, the lodge is open all year with full services from March through November. In addition to the motel and restaurant, CRS operates a gas and convenience store, offers raft rentals and provides fishing guides for rafting trips on the Green River.
During the tourist season, the lodge employs 80 people, but with the expansion that will increase by 15, Collett said.