By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
It might be wise to establish an Economic Development Area (EDA) in Juab County.
In 2007, the Utah State Legislature defined three types of project areas that redevelopment agencies in Utah can create. One project area type is called an "Urban Renewal Area" (or "URA"), which is similar to traditional project areas.
Two newer types of project areas designated by the Utah State Legislature are known as a "Community Development Area" (or "CDA"), and an "Economic Development Area" (or "EDA").
"I propose that we investigate an agreement to start an EDA within Juab County in order to attract business," said Rick Carlton, commissioner.
He suggested that the areas to be considered would be Mona, west of the city limits; south of Nephi; and north of Nephi.
"I think we should move forward to narrow those areas down," he said.
The purpose of an EDA is to promote the creation of new jobs using development as a tool. EDAs are not limited in size, but do not provide the power of eminent domain.
He said that Glenn Greenhalgh, county planning director, had been helpful in explaining an EDA.
Economic Development Areas describe boundaries, land uses, layout of streets, and population densities. They identify standards guiding economic development that are consistent with the General Plan and describe how the plan will create additional jobs.
By definition of the state legislature, EDA plans must state the reasons for the selection of the project area and describe physical, social and economic conditions.
It is also required, by state law, that in creating an EDA, any tax incentives offered must be described, the benefit of financial assistance must be analyzed, and rationale for use of tax increment must be anticipated.
"I propose that we do more investigation," said Carlton.
Byron Woodland, commissioner, worked in the county's economic development as the director for a time. He said that he understood there were some opportunities opened which were not possible without an EDA.
The state does offer some incentives.
According to: http://www.utahredevelopment.org/Documents/AreaCreationProcess.pdf, there are 12 steps which must be followed in creating an EDA.
Step one, a resolution authorizing the preparation of draft plan; step two, preparation of a draft plan and budget; step three, making the budget available for public review; step four, review of the plan and approval of the budget.
Step four requires that two meetings are held 14 days apart.
Step five, notice of plan and budget hearing, with a 30-day notice mailed to property owners of record, the state tax commission, the taxing entity committee, and the county assessor and auditor
Step six, hold budget and plan hearings, and step seven, adoption.
A resolution approving plan must be referred to legislative body. A resolution approving budget with a 30-day protest period,
Step eight, legislative body adopts ordinance adopting plan as community plan, step nine, notice is published in paper.
Step 10, record the statement of purpose with the county recorder and step 11, within 30 days transmit project area description, plat or map to AGRC.
Step 12, within 30 days transmit description and ordinance to the county auditor, recorder, attorney, surveyor and assessor, the legislative body of each taxing entity, the state tax commission, and the sate board of education,
EDAs require 20 percent affordable housing, and aid to retail is not allowed.
Woodland said that he thought the county commission should explore the development and creation of an EDA in the county.
"We need to work through the county economic development office," he said.
Commissioners agreed to instruct Greenhalgh to begin the process of, at least, investigating the possibility and benefit to Juab of creating an EDA to benefit the county's economic development.
