Letter from the Executive Director |
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As we enter into a new fiscal year, the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG) has a lot to be thankful for and excited about. The team at the SEUALG currently have a combination of remote and team members in the office. We have a forethoughtful process for combining both environments to achieve outcomes and help citizens in our region. The team at the SEUALG is talented and more productive than ever. Our successful outcomes are at an all-time high. We are building homes, helping homeless individuals, helping individuals and families to become more sustainable. The agency has become involved in more diverse economic development activities, the Main Street America program, building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and developing processes to encourage new business growth in the region.
We look forward to reporting more outcomes in the future by strategizing with our regional partners and politicians. In addition, we hope new board and committee participation allows the region some new opportunities for growth.
I hope everyone has enjoyed their Utah summer!
-Geri Gamber
Executive Director
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Dealing with Dementia
Shawna Horrocks
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New to the aging program is the 'Dealing with Dementia' class. We recently had two individuals from our Aging Program, Wendy Fauver and Shawna Horrocks, complete a training to be able to facilitate this class. A grant paid for the training as well as 100 manuals to be distributed to participants. The manual provides care givers with the information they need when dealing with a family member who is living with dementia. These include topics such as understanding dementia, caregiving tips, dealing with behavioral issues, taking better care of yourself, and resources. Classes will start soon and we are excited to bring this information to our community. |
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For more information please contact
Shawna Horrocks at 435.613.0036
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Medical Voucher Program
Colton W. Judd
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Specialized transportation resources across the state are extremely limited creating many significant issues. Basic needs, especially medical care, are often inaccessible due to the lack of transportation resources and in 2018 SEUALG was awarded $15,000 through the “Out and About” fund. Program participants must meet five criteria to be eligible for the program. The participant must meet disability criteria, the participant must be living less than 200% of the poverty level and/or qualify for Medicaid, the participant must not live within the limits of the region fare-free ADA paratransit service area, the participant must not have access to other transportation reimbursement programs or funding, and the participant must utilize the vouchers for non-emergency medical or health-related trips. A participant is eligible for up to $400 a year in reimbursement. This program has assisted five participants in 2021 and has spent $13,312.92 in total.
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CDBG
Allison Preston
SEUALG CDBG staff worked with six organizations to submit an application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Of the seven organizations, two were selected for funding through the SEUALG Rating and Ranking process. The two selected are Castle Dale City for the Ghost Road walking path project and Huntington City for fire department equipment.
SEUALG CDBG staff will begin to meet with communities to discuss potential projects and gear up for the upcoming program year beginning in October 2021 with the annual How to Apply Workshops.
Additionally, the SEUALG CDBG program received approximately $1.5 million in funding through the CARES Act. Through this funding, SEUALG was able to obtain critical equipment for the food banks in the region, purchase needed equipment for the health departments, and award over 40 businesses that were affected by COVID-19 recovery grants.
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Transit
Colton W. Judd
The SEUALG transit planning staff have had many exciting projects begin in 2021. SEUALG has received 5304 UDOT funding to complete the Transit Feasibility Study. SEUALG is currently working with the Utah Public Notice website to post the request for Proposal (RFP) for contractors to bid. SEUALG continually works with the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the National Rural Transit Assistance program (RTAP) to further expand our transit efforts for our region. SEUALG has worked with the North and South transit committees' as well as other transportation agencies to complete the regional Transit Coordinated Plan. SEUALG has recently held a combined North and South Transit Committee meeting to further discuss the committees' vision, mission, and purpose. The transit staff is very excited to begin the transit feasibility study as it will give the region some direction when it comes to creating a dynamic transit system in Southeast Utah.
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The Permanent Community Impact Fund Board or (CIB) regularly funds projects in the form of grants and loans to Southeast Utah. The following diagram shows by county how much in funding has been received since 2016. |
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The Regional Planning Program was established to assist local communities with their planning needs. Below are some of the Program highlights that have occurred recently. Also in the table below shows the assistance and technical support provided to various communities within the region.
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Self Help Ground Up
Construction Program
Barbara Fausett
Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG) navigates challenging times during a shortage of affordable housing and the astronomical increase in construction costs and shortage/delay of materials due to COVID-19, in administering the USDA Self Help Ground-Up Construction Program. The first of 4 homes are framed, sheathed, roofed and has windows and doors, while the other 3 homes have been delayed due to the over budget costs of the lumber packages. TH Poloni, general contractor of CASA BELLA ENTERPRISES, INC, brings 35+ years of home building as construction supervisor for the Self-Help Ground-Up Construction Program, instructing and guiding the 4 group participants through the challenging times we are currently experiencing in the high cost of construction. Waiting out the storm in hopes the lumber prices will come back down, TH has seen this before, but never to this extreme, he checks on the pricing weekly. Finally! They drop enough to bring the lumber package in budget, bringing it back down by $7,000, he gets it ordered. Feeling really good about overcoming this challenge only to hear the next day there is a delay of up to 4 months on trusses! It is a daily challenge making these projects happen as we also experience a shortage of affordable qualified subcontractors and must wait for those who are affordable. It’s either time or money! SEUALG reached out to Price City requesting approval to utilize Utility grant funds for reimbursement on utility hookup costs for these participants in an effort to satisfy the cost overruns these projects are experiencing. Price City Manager, Nick Tatton, agreed this is the perfect use for those grant funds, authorizing grants of $4,091.00 to the 4 participant’s projects. Then experiencing increased costs in Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC costs, Materials, Drywall, Cabinetry… SEUALG received $64,000 in a grant that can be used for these cost overruns and lot purchases. These funds were provided by the Coal Country Strike Team who applied for a grant from the Schmidt Future Foundation, and a portion of that grant will be used to bring these 4 projects in budget. Now the drive to get the projects back on track for the 12-month completion goal. Much appreciation for the grant assistance from Price City, the Coal Country Strike Team and the Schmidt Future Foundation as we push forward to complete these 4 homes. Let’s now ask for no delays on material/supply shortages.
The USDA Self Help Ground-Up Construction Program assists in bringing affordable housing to income qualified participants in Carbon and Emery Counties. SEUALG has a Self Help contract with USDA to build up to 10 homes over a 2-year period. Currently working with the 1st group of 4 families, we are building the 2nd group with a couple of openings available. Participants in this program receive 100% financing on the cost to build plus the lot purchase with a loan that amortizes payments over either a 33 or 38 year term at 2.5%, plus possible subsidized payments depending on the income level, allowing the participant to afford a higher loan amount with the ever increasing costs of construction and earning 15%-20% in equity from their labor.
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Self-Help Acquisition & Housing Rehabilitation
Barbara Fausett
South Eastern Utah Association of Local Governments (SEUALG) administers USDA’s Self-Help Acquisition/Rehabilitation Program currently available in Carbon & Emery Counties. We can assist you in buying your home & making the repairs & upgrades you desire, while minimizing your costs, gaining sweat equity from your labor, with the guidance & training of our licensed Construction Supervisor & the help of family & friends who are willing to volunteer
Here is an example of a single family rehab that happened in East Carbon, Utah. The roof, siding, windows, front porch, and rain gutters have all been replaced. This project assisted an elderly, disabled, single woman.
This program is designed to elevate the quality of life for individuals & families in South Eastern Utah’s Castle Country, by improving rural, affordable housing opportunities, fostering community partnership, cooperation & education, by assessing & improving the affordable housing needs of each individual.
For more information contact Barbara Fausett at 435.613.0026
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Circles
Julie Rosier
Circles Carbon County – In 2021, Christina, one of our Circle Leaders graduated from Circles by reaching 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Christina is also in the process of purchasing her first home which she has dreamed of for several years. In addition, Circles Carbon County started a new cohort in June 2021 with 10 new Circle Leaders. Circles is in the process of recruiting Allies and Community Volunteers. If interested please call Julie Rosier at 435-613-0065.
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SEUALG has partnered with Rural Online Initiative to provide the needed equipment for individuals who have received their Remote Work Certifications. This will assist in moving individuals to reach self-sufficiency. Funding to purchase this equipment came from CSBG CARES Act funding, and funding from the Carbon County Commissioners. |
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FOOD BANK
Julie Rosier
The Carbon, Emery, and Grand Food Banks have continued to serve individuals and families during the pandemic. Because of COVID we have made many adjustments in how we distribute food to people in need. Food Bank staff have been boxing up food for clients to reduce wait times, increased deliveries to home bound food bank clients, and individuals that were unable to leave their home during the pandemic.
In March, the Carbon, Emery, and Grand food banks received over 13,000 pounds of food from the Feed Utah food drive which was a huge success for its first year. The National Guard, Scouts, and many community volunteers assisted with this effort.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Colton W. Judd
SEUALG VITA program offers free tax preparation and e-filing for low to moderate-income families and individuals with an income of $56,000 or less. The program is partnered with the IRS in training and certifying volunteers to be able to file returns. IRS certified volunteers prepare and e-file federal and state tax returns for free, and they ensure taxpayers receive all the tax credits for which they are entitled, including Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If clients want to file their own taxes they may do so by going to www.MyFreeTaxes.com. The program is partnered with Utah State University Eastern (USUE), Utah State University Extension (USU Ext), Carbon County, RUCD Head Start, Carbon County Circles, American Express (AmEx), and the Navajo Nation.
With the 2021 tax filing season coming to an end, the VITA program has been able to file a total of 385 returns and a total of 89 EITC returns.
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Getting Ahead While Getting Out
Renee Raso
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Southeastern Association of Local Governments is implementing a new program in Carbon County and has partnered with the Carbon County Sheriff's Department to implement the program in the Carbon County Jail.
The Getting Ahead While Getting out program is a prisoner reentry model to reduce recidivism through learning, building resources, accountability, and collaboration.
Getting Ahead While Getting out prepares returning citizens, to manage their re-entry to society successfully by developing three plans. The first is to get them through the first 72 hours when returning citizens often re-offend. The second plan is to meet their immediate needs; the third is to transform their lives. This will help to build stronger and better-resourced individuals and families, to create communities where everyone can live well. A team of six has been trained and certified to implement the program and will begin the first session on August 10, 2021. This is a new and exciting opportunity to collaborate with community partners to make a difference in someone's life, and thrive as a community.
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Family Housing Program
Colton W. Judd
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The TANF Family Housing program helps families obtain stable housing by providing deposits, rental assistance, rental arrears, and mortgage assistance to families with dependent children under the age of 18 living in the home. SEUALG works closely with DWS to assist clients with an employment plan as well as financial empowerment assessments. SEAULG received a three-year grant of $424,000 for the program from April 1, 2018, through March 31, 2022. The TANF Family Housing program started its third year on April 1, 2021, with a funding amount of $78,000. The TANF Family Housing program has currently been able to provide 10 unduplicated clients and 15 duplicated clients assistance with a total of $19,120.80 expended. |
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Unified Funding Program
Renee Raso
The Unified Funding Program can assist homeless individuals with getting housed. The program can assist with Security deposits, utility deposits, rent, and arrears for up to 4 months depending on funding availability. Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments was awarded $106,700 for fiscal year 20-21 with rapid rehousing funds and throughout fiscal year 20-21, the program has assisted 30 individuals with getting housed in Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan Counties.
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SEUALG Emergency Services
Hotel/Motel Program
Renee Raso
The Emergency Shelter Hotel/Motel voucher program can assist with a Motel stay for up to 14 days depending on funding availability. Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments received $13,580 for FY 20-21 throughout FY 20-21 the Hotel/Motel voucher program assisted 26 individuals with a motel stay.
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Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Renee Raso
The Emergency Rental Assistance program can assist with Deposits, rent, utility deposits, utilities, and internet costs for anyone that has been impacted directly or indirectly from COVID-19 with a job loss, decrease in income, or laid off and recieving unemployment but it is still not enough to cover housing costs. The ERA program has assisted 70 unduplicated clients and 56 duplicated clients with Security deposits, rent, utility deposits, utilities, and internet costs in Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan Counties. If a person is interested in applying go to rent relief.utah.gov.
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Home Energy Assistance Target Program
Lenissa Jimenez
The HEAT program is a program that assists low income individuals and families with a one time benefit towards their utility bills once per program year. The HEAT program runs from October 1st to September 30th every year. From October 1st 2020- 07/13/2021 the HEAT program has assisted 2,096 households throughout Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan county with a dollar amount of $837,00.93.
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Weatherization-
Wesley Quinlog
Recently, the SEUALG has sent personnel to the Intermountain Weatherization Training Center in Clearfield, UT to train on how to conduct energy audits on homes. The energy audits are conducted to determine how “tight” a home is, meaning how much energy is lost through leaky windows, doors, attics, etc. The energy audit also looks at how energy efficient a home may be. The energy audit provides a baseline of where and what to do to make a home more energy efficient.
In addition, the SEUALG aims to weatherize 4 homes in the coming months. This helps low income families and elderly persons stay in their homes safe and comfortable. Annually, the SEUALG strives to weatherize 30-40 homes.
SEUALG is happy to have a relatively “young” crew and the ambition they all have to see the SEUALG Weatherization Assistance Program be successful.
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The Southeastern Utah Business and Technical Assistance Center or 'BTAC' has had some exciting changes happening! One of those changes included a change in our governing board, we recently went through this change to include a diverse group of individuals from all across our southeast region and even throughout the state. These individuals are invested in moving forward entrepreneurship in our area and providing the best resources for our current business owners and future entrepreneurs within our four county region. Check out the complete list of board members at btac.business.
Another change is that our commercial kitchen and studio are just about ready to open for public use. The commercial kitchen will be available for individuals who want a safe, clean, large kitchen workspace for catering meals, teaching cooking lessons, preparing event food and so much more. The Studio likewise has a number of uses such as 3D printing, Audio Recording, Virtual Reality simulations, Podcasting space, Photography equipment rentals. For more information or to schedule a tour please reach out to Allison Preston at 435-637-7336. We will also be having a grand opening to celebrate these changes, with speakers including Governor Spencer Cox, Stephen Lisonbee and Congressman John Curtis.
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Revolving Loan Fund
Camille Otto
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In the last 6 months, the RLF has been able to assist 3 more businesses utilizing the new RLF funding provided through the CARES ACT. This funding has resulted in the creation or retention of 27 jobs that would have not been available otherwise. There is currently $358,000 available to businesses in Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan counties for businesses looking to fund a new start-up, expand their business, or retain their current business. Over the lifetime of the RLF program, we have been able to assist local businesses to expand and grow to keep over 480 jobs among these four counties. During this time, the RLF has also been able to lend out over $5.7 million dollars, which has been revolved to continue providing affordable loan options to local businesses in southeastern Utah. |
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RLF STATS
- Number of clients served: 40 active loans
- Amount of money lent to local businesses over program lifetime: $5,729,177
- Jobs created:113
- Jobs saved: 375
- CARES Specific Funding Stats
- Money Lent: $242,000
- Money Left to Lend: $358,000
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Economic Development Planning
Jade Powell
The Southeastern Utah Economic Development District (SEUEDD) and its partnership with the Utah Association of Counties Regional Growth Program has continued to work on economic development plans throughout the region. Being that the end of the State fiscal year has just ended, much of the economic development technical assistance offered by the SEUEDD was centered around the Rural County Grant Program. This included the reporting for last year’s projects and preparing an application for next year’s projects.
Additionally, SEUEDD is assisting with the creation of community reinvestment areas (CRA) throughout the region. Some of these include solar developments and an RV resort. SEUEDD has learned the process of the creation of CRAs and hopes to be a source of knowledge and technical assistance when other communities in the southeastern Utah region start to create a CRA.
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Utah Coal Country Strike Team
Jade Powell
SEUALG is the lead on the Utah Coal Country Strike Team with a goal of raising 10,000 household incomes by 10%. The Utah Coal Country Strike Team is a unique partnership with two major Utah universities - Utah State University and the University of Utah - Castle Dale City, Price City and the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments.
Through the workforce training and jobs strategy identified by the Utah Coal Country Strike Team, the Strike Team created Silicon Slopes East. Through the creation of Silicon Slopes East, the Utah Coal Country Strike Team and SEUEDD has developed coworking spaces in Carbon and Emery counties and is working with regional partners to develop programming for small business owners and new entrepreneurs.
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