A grassroots effort aimed at designing a long-term economic development plan for western Uintah County and Duchesne County is taking shape.

Basin West 2000 is the name given to the concentrated effort to plan and implement specific projects to promote the growth and expansion of business and community-related proj-ects in a area covering Fort Duchesne in Uintah County on the east to Current Creek in far western Duchesne County.During a public meeting last week, local residents were able to receive information on resources available to implement economic development projects.

A 10-member team comprised of local, state and national government representatives assembled specifically for Basin West 2000 detailed what its particular agencies have to offer the area in terms of funding and assistance for economic development projects.

Resource aids, loan and grant programs that local leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs weren't aware of were brought to light, and advice on how to proceed with an overall plan for economic development was presented.

"If you really want a project, you've got to see there's community support. Then pick a person you know will follow up. Someone who will keep the project moving. Then leaders need to give their full support," Richard Osmond, Farmers Home Administration district director, told those in attendance.

"Don't wait for the funds. Start the project and the funds will be there. If you wait for the money, you'll be beat to the punch. And be prepared for lots of paperwork."

Marion Bentley, associate director of the Utah State University Business Department, explained the resources USU could make available to Basin West 2000.

"We're able to match you up with the answers to questions you may have. In addition to providing education and information we can provide technical assistance. What we're doing isn't particularly unusual."

Even the U.S. Forest Service offered its assistance in designing a feasible economic development plan. "We have a lot of expertise in planning, and we think we can help with strategic planning and put together a good plan. We have some grant money available at the national level. We can assist you in writing grants," stated Clark Tucker, Roosevelt District ranger.

The Forest Service is currently helping the Ute Tribe conduct a feasibility study on how to help them solve its high unemployment problems, Tucker said.

Ed Meyer, director of the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development, told the group to keep an open mind during the planning phases. "You've got to identify at the local level a good strategic plan. I hope you'll take into consideration new ideas and abilities. We've tried the old ways and sometimes they didn't work. So keep your minds open to new ideas.

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"The film industry would work out here. It's a way to put quick money into the community. We have technical assistance we could provide on exports and imports. Procurement contracts are already working here and have provided the Uintah Basin with millions of dollars. Training programs have brought about a half million dollars into the Uintah Basin. How effectively are those funds being used?"

Last week's Basin West 2000 meeting is just the first of many slated to bring area residents together to determine a course of action aimed at identifying projects and how to implement them.

Within the next 45 to 90 days the resource teams will travel to outlying areas of the two counties to meet with different communities to allow local citizens and organizations an opportunity to submit specific recommendations to develop the economy, jobs and a better quality of life in the Uintah Basin.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce with the assistance of economic development consulting experts from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association under the sponsorship of the Roosevelt-based Moon Lake Electric Association.

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