With the year coming to an end and looking back to see what good things have been taken place in the county Castle Country Radio sat down with Carbon County Commissioner Casey Hopes to reflect on the past year.
“We really have some really good things going on in our community. We got the solar company that came in, they’re planning on doing another phase. IE is continuing to add employees and grow their business. We have some other businesses in the community that are expanding and growing. We have some companies from outside the area that are looking to bring some pretty impactful projects here, but they all take time to develop, and put their funding packages together. But I see a positive outcome moving forward,” stated Commissioner Hopes. This is all great for economy in the area as well as for the growth of the community itself.
Progress has been made with the Uintah Basin Railway project as various permits have been received and applied for. “Another big win, is the railroad got all of their permits. We’re just waiting on one permit, it’s been submitted or it’s close to being submitted to the BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs. The San Rafael Energy Research is a big deal for our area. Although we didn’t get the funding from the Build Back Better we’re still working with the aviation campus to continue to help USU build out their flight program here. There’s just a lot of good things like that that are happening,” said Commissioner Hopes. He also prides himself for the wonderful partnerships that the county has been having with the cities, state and Emery County over the years.
As for the upcoming 2023 year, the county hopes for completion of projects and more development for the surrounding area. “I think 2023, I think we can continue to be optimistic about our future. With the companies that are looking at our area, the movement we are seeing on the railroad, and IE continuing to buildout. They’ve got contracts in to the future, so they’re looking really stable. Other businesses that are in our community that continue to grow and find ways to diversify their portfolios. There’s really a lot of good things happening in our area,” stated Commissioner Hopes.
Commissioner Hopes would like to wish everyone in the county a safe and happy holiday season.