Though windy and warm, golfers enthusiastically gathered at the EDCUtah Golf for Grants tournament at Eaglewood Golf Course in North Salt Lake on June 9, 2021. The first large-scale event staged by EDCUtah emerging from the pandemic year, it was clear that participants from public and private sectors were glad to be together again and raise funds for a great cause. The full field of golfers in the scramble format tournament enjoyed a day of golf, took home some nice prizes, and netted over $46,000 for EDCUtah’s Match Grants program.
A longstanding program at EDCUtah, the Match Grants program provides funding in support of specific economic development efforts that will spur job growth and capital investment in Utah communities. With matching awards up to $5,000 per project, Special Project Match Grants help Utah communities with unique projects that foster economic growth. Professional Development Match Grants award up to $1,000 to economic developers for training that will enhance personal expertise, elevating economic development successes in their community.
Spanish Fork City applied for a Special Projects Match Grant to participate with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) in preparation for the construction of a new freeway interchange on Interstate 15 at 2700 North in Spanish Fork. The 2019 project involved land-use planning surrounding the interchange to facilitate opportunities for economic development.
The interchange is planned for opening in 2024. Funded in part by the EDCUtah Match Grant Program, the land-use planning study serves as the basis for utility development and other improvements that will support new land uses around the interchange. The study will also guide in marketing the properties in advance of the interchange completion.
Dave Anderson, Spanish Fork City’s Community and Economic Development Director said, “When UDOT announced plans to construct a new interchange on I-15, Spanish Fork City used the Match Grant to plan for future job growth and economic development around that interchange. This work promotes collaboration between the city, property owners and the development community and will help ensure that the area surrounding the interchange will be used to its maximum potential.”
The lack of developed land available for office, manufacturing and mixed use has been a significant hindrance in attracting development to the city. The land-use planning study is key to supporting new investment and job creation in Spanish Fork City.
Anderson concluded, “Spanish Fork City was able to seize a unique opportunity because of EDCUtah’s Match Grant. EDCUtah staff made applying for Match Grant funds a simple, straightforward process. Spanish Fork is grateful for EDCUtah’s Match Grant program and their support on this project.”
Applications are now open for the 2021-2022 fiscal year Match Grant Program, and will be accepted through the deadline date of August 18, 2021.
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