Monticello secures funds for community center

The long held dream of a community center in Monticello is one step closer to reality after the Utah Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) approved a $1,040,000 loan to the City of Monticello.
In total, the CIB approved $1,686,596 for projects that will benefit communities in San Juan County at a funding meeting in St. George on February 7.
Half of the award for the Monticello Community Center is in grant and the remainder is a loan to be paid at 1.5 percent interest over the next 30 years
In November, the city was told by the CIB board that the award would be entirely in a 2.5 percent loan. The drop in interest will save the city an estimated $28,000 a year in interest payments.
The next step is to design the community center, which will overlook the Hideout Golf Club and also will be used as a golf clubhouse. The entire project is set to be funded by the CIB.
The CIB also approved a $450,000 loan for 30 years at 1.5 percent interest for sewer system improvements in Blanding.
A $81,596 grant was awarded to San Juan County to expand the fire station in Eastland.
The project will expand the currently fire station to allow a donated fire engine to be parked int he building. The fire engine is now too large to fit in the building.
San Juan County also was awarded a $115,000 grant to construct a maintenance shop in Blanding.
The Community Impact Board awards grants and low-interest loans to cities, towns and counties impacted by mining and the extraction of oil and gas on federal land. Projects funded by the CIB help create safer, more livable communities.
The program is managed by Housing and Community Development Division under the Department of Workforce Services.