The future looked promising for Bottle Hollow Resort in the 1970s when the Ute Indian Tribe opened the motel and convention complex in Fort Duchesne.
But it's been several years since the motel rooms were rented by tourists, and while the convention center does house some of the Ute Tribe's administrative offices, it's hard to remember the last time it hosted a real convention.The Ute Tribe hopes that will change in the near future. The tribe has allocated $7,500 to match a $20,000 Economic Development Administration grant to pay for a feasibility and business plan to study the possible renovation and reopening of Bottle Hollow Resort.
It will take about six to nine months to complete the study, according to Max Adams, economic development director for the Ute Tribe.
Crews have torn down about 50 motel rooms in back of the motel around the pool in preparation for anticipated rebuilding and remodeling, said Adams. The materials from the demolition will be put to good use. Concrete from the structure will be used by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to do flood control this summer.
When it comes time develop a plan to construct new motel rooms, revitalize Bottle Hollow Convention Center and possibly create a cultural center, Adams says the tribe will be prepared financially to take on the job.
Under the terms of the Central Utah Project Completion Act the Ute Tribe has millions of dollars in a special federal account specifically earmarked for such economic development.
Plans to reopen Bottle Hollow Resort with new amenities are just part of economic development proposals tribal leaders will consider when they meet this month in Las Vegas.
Additional proposals to enhance economic development that are being contemplated by tribal leaders include remodeling Ute Petroleum in Myton (formerly J&W Cafe) to add a convenience store, moving Ute Petroleum in Fort Duchesne to a new location that could be accessed more easily by U.S. 40 traffic, building a new jail and youth detention center for lease by the BIA, and starting a new enterprise that would consist of raising vegetables in greenhouses.
Several construction projects on the reservation and a feed lot are also on the drawing board, said Adams. "If we're going to get credit we have to do creditable things . . . we're on the verge of busting loose."