San Juan County Commission concerned about closure of National Guard Armory in Blanding

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan County Commission discussed safety in La Sal, the Blanding national guard armory, and provided support for a BLM grant request for a new vehicle at their March 17 meeting.
Members of the county commission held discussions related to the potential closure of the National Guard Armory in Blanding. The closure has been tentatively scheduled for June 1, although the permanence of that closure is also unknown. 
Commissioner Lori Maughan said efforts to gather more information and address the issue has been difficult.
Commissioner Jamie Harvey proposed the county host a meeting at the armory with National Guard leadership to emphasize the facility’s strategic importance, particularly its expertise in hazardous material spills, which Harvey argues is critical given the transportation of uranium through the county. 
Commissioner Silvia Stubbs added that the military presence has provided essential structure and opportunities for local youth.
Commissioners also approved a letter of support for a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) application to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation for a grant to acquire a UTV machine.
BLM Monticello field manager Jake Palma explained the UTV would help with patrol and monitoring of sights, as well as improve maintenance and signage for those who use the trail system.
Palma emphasized the BLM partnership with groups like SPEAR and San Juan County, mentioning good working relationships with the road department and public lands coordinator.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to keep building partnerships of important uses throughout the county, while being mindful of good management strategies across the landscape,” said Palma.
Members of the commission approved the letter of support.
During public comment, the commission heard from La Sal resident Kelly Green, who raised concerns about highway safety in the area.
Green highlighted concerns with state Highway 49, specifically mile marker three, which has been dubbed by locals “Dead Man’s Corner” due to sharp, icy conditions.
Green advocating for the installation of a guardrail, noting the location has been the site of serious injuries and death.
Green also requested a flashing wildlife caution sign between Old La Sal and New La Sal, describing that as a hot spot for deer crossings. Members of the commission expressed a willingness to bring up the concerns with the Utah Department of Transportation.
As part of their consent agenda, Commissioners ratified a letter of support for a Town of Bluff application for a community project fund to refurbish the old Bluff Elementary School.
They also ratified a letter of support for a Monticello City request for a water storage expansion project.
The commission also approved community appointments to the county economic development board, including Kaede Kulow in Monticello, Ben Muhlestein in Blanding and Britt Hornsby in Bluff.
The commission also approved Erin Nielson to represent the Town of Bluff on the county tourism tax advisory board and LaMarr Walker and Brett Peterson to serve 4-year terms on the Eastland Special Service District.
Members of the commission also approved purchases for the road department including chip seal oil, dust suppressants, and two new vacuum water tankers.
During commission reports, members highlighted different initiatives. Commissioner Harvey highlighted Utah House Bill 52, which will allow tribal members to have their tribal status endorsed on state-issued IDs beginning January 2027.
Commissioner Stubbs highlighted efforts to address administrative issues in Spanish Valley and advocated for a medical transport van to reduce the high cost of flying patients out of the area.
Commissioner Maughan reported on some regional issues, reporting that as a member of Canyon’s Regional Airport board, the board has voted to bring SkyWest back to the Moab airport, noting the commercial airport serves local residents.
Maughan also reported that the Mud Springs trail project in Spanish Valley has faced delays but there’s hope it may be completed for mountain bike races this fall.