Camas to Apply for $600K Rural Opportunities Grant for Blizard Lumber Company

Camas City Council has taken a significant step towards revitalizing local business by approving a matching fund agreement with Blizard Lumber Company during their recent meeting. This agreement will enable the city to apply for a Rural Community Opportunity Grant, potentially unlocking up to $600,000 in funding to support the lumber company’s recovery efforts.

The initiative arose from discussions with the Summit County Economic Advisory Committee, where representatives from the Governor's Office of Economic Development highlighted various grant opportunities for rural businesses. Recognizing the potential benefits for Blizard Lumber, the council decided to pursue this grant, which requires a 20% match from the business. Under the agreement, Blizard Lumber will cover this match, allowing Camas City to administer the grant with minimal financial impact.

Spencer, the project manager for the grant application, explained that the process involves submitting a pre-application by the upcoming deadline, followed by a formal application period starting September 15 and closing October 31. The grant aims to empower rural communities to manage economic development projects, including business expansion and infrastructure improvements. Given that Blizard Lumber contributes significantly to the local economy, with an estimated $2 million impact in Summit County, the council believes this grant aligns with their goals of fostering business growth.

The council emphasized the importance of community support for the application, as demonstrating local backing could enhance their chances of securing funding. While the grant pool has been reduced to $2.5 million this year, making it highly competitive, the council remains optimistic about their prospects, especially considering the timber industry's significance in Utah.

As the application process unfolds, the council will continue to engage with community members and stakeholders to ensure a strong proposal that highlights the economic benefits of supporting Blizard Lumber's recovery.