Monticello receives $1.12 million grant

by David Boyle
News Director
The Monticello City Council received word on the city receiving an Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) grant and heard a report on a cloud seeding program at their November 11 meeting.
The grant is through the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Assistant City Manager Megan Gallegos reports the city would receive a $1,120,000 grant for restoration and revitalization of the trail system and repair of bridges at Loyds Lake.
While the council found out about the award there still is work to be done as the grant requires a local match with details to be discussed at a future meeting.
Members of the city council heard a presentation from Jared Smith, Regional Director of Operations for Rain Maker Technology Corporation in relation to a proposed cloud seeding program in the La Sal and Abajo Mountains.
The program is largely being funded by the state of Utah with a $350,000 commitment to the project with the project asking for a local sponsorship from the city of Monticello in the amount of $5,000.
Smith explained the cloud seeding initiative introduces silver iodide into clouds causing water droplets to freeze, grow into snowflakes and fall as rain or snow. Smith shared that since the state began participating in the program in 1973 the state has seen a five to 20-percent increase in precipitation.
Smith also hailed the companies upgrades in using weather-resistant drones which can fly up to 15,000 feet to allow for more precise deliver of seeding materials.
Council members remained skeptical of the program noting that Utah has remained in drought despite the program being in operation for about 50 years. Smith said the cloud seeing program is not a “silver bullet” but that it does provide a percentage increase of whatever natural water is already available.
Council member also questioned the fair split amongst the Abajo and La Sal Mountain ranges with Smith sharing the company would potentially see a 60/40 split between the two ranges.
Council members made plans to vote on the item at an upcoming meeting.