Revving-Up Rural Economies

None by KCPW

State Lawmakers Consider Options

(KCPW News) Rural Utah communities are often overlooked when it comes to economic development. Insufficient power and gas service, lack of airport access and even lagging education levels are big deterrents for business.

Governor's Rural Affairs Coordinator Gayle McKeachnie led a discussion with state lawmakers today on initiatives that could trigger more economic development in rural Utah. Over the last year, economic development officers from several rural counties have banded together demanding better utility service and encouraging extension programs from Utah State University and other higher-ed institutions. McKeachnie warned against making any statewide mandates that assume all of rural Utah is eager to grow like booming Washington County. While most rural communities want more and better paying jobs, they're not all eager to embrace metropolitan ways, says McKeachnie.

The Governor's Office of Economic Development is working on a program to lure more businesses to rural Utah, hoping to make Beaver, Utah the poster child for rural economic development done right.

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