Back in 2017, expert on tourism and economic development Roger Brooks evaluated the Vernal area and among his recommendations for the area was implementing an effective wayfinding system. In response, 8 local entities including Uintah County, Naples City, Ballard City, Vernal City, Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Uintah Recreation District, Uintah County Travel and Tourism and the Uintah Transportation Special Service District joined together to come up with uniform signage throughout the County to direct residents and visitors to points of interest, recreation locations and public buildings. After a process of securing funding, holding public meetings, and exploring options, the group is ready to move forward. Vernal Chamber Director Joel Brown has shared that a sample sign will be put in place in the next few weeks. “This has been a long awaited project that will allow tourists and locals alike to see a uniform sign system in the Basin,” shares Brown. Over $130,000 dollars is being invested in the total project with $120,000 dollars of that coming from the Outdoor Recreation Grant, Healthy Lifestyles Grant, and some funding from the Utah Department of Transportation. Local municipalities are contributing the remaining $22,000 dollars for the project.
