Leaders from the 25 rural counties in Utah gathered on Capitol Hill on Friday for Rural Day during the legislative session. Commissioners Winterton, Todd, and Burdick from Duchesne County and Commissioners Stringer, Shepherd, and Horrocks from Uintah County were present and involved as well as both county’s Economic Development Directors Irene Hansen and Sylvia Wilkins, among other Basin representatives. The day started with a rural caucus with a discussion of many bills relevant to rural Utah. One that is considered important to the Uintah Basin deals with the Enterprise Zone which has helped many Basin businesses qualify for state tax credits but which needs reauthorized before it sunsets in a year. Irene Hansen commented that the day was very productive. She was impressed with the legislators that attended who were very engaged in learning more about rural issues.
