The local economy is showing some signs of life as 2017 wraps up. According to the Baker Hughes rig count data, there are currently 12 rigs operating in the state of Utah and most of those reside in the Uintah Basin. A year ago that count was at 4 rigs for the state. Business activity is also trending up locally. Vernal is about to become the newest location for one of the more than 800 Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide. The store is moving into the old Staples location bringing some life back to the former KMart shopping plaza. Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown says that things are starting to ramp back up a bit in the local business community. “The economy is showing signs of life,” shares Brown. “We are seeing new businesses coming in and it looks like the trend is heading in a positive direction.”
