EVANSTON — The Uinta County Commission approved two contracts for upgrades at the Uinta County Fair Grounds at their meeting n Tuesday, April 16, for a total of nearly $500,000.

The upgrades are ongoing work as Uinta County continues to improve the facilities at the county fairground. A contract for $396,900 was approved for Maxfied Construction of Fort Bridger for work at the grandstands. This is contingent on the receipt of a signed contract. The other upgrade is for concrete work at the pig barn for $123,549, contingent on a signed contract, with Norris Construction of Evanston.

The commissioners supported a half cent sales tax increase initiative to be placed on the ballot to be used solely for economic development. The initiative was also on the line to be approved by the towns within the county.

The commissioners were briefed by Uinta County Rep. Jon Conrad on an update on the proposed shooting complex in which the county has submitted a proposal. Conrad said the final three sites are scheduled to be announced on June 24with the final selection made on Aug. 13, 2024.

The commission took action and approved a request by Uinta County Sheriff Andy Kopp for a a State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant award of $6,481 for travel reimbursement and training for three Search and Rescue members to attend the National Search and Rescue Training.

The commission added an amendment to allow a portion of the current EMPG grant funds to be used to purchase a laptop for Emergency Management as presented by Josh Rasnake, Emergency Management .

The commission also approved the transfer of water rights on the water well at the old Mosquito Building from the Uinta County Weed and Pest to Uinta County.

The transferal of the Fort Bridger Cash Store liquor license to The Store Fort Bridger LLC was approved. This followed a request by Kim Goble, chief deputy county clerk, and follows on the transfer of ownership of the business.

The commissioners approved two issues governing the health of county employees. They approved an agreement between Evanston Regional Hospital and Uinta County Public Health defining the care and storage of a PortoCount System. This is to provide a way for hospital staff and responders to be checked for respiratory protection, via a “fit-test.”

In addition, the commission approved the 2024 Wellness Contract with Wyoming Health Fairs for optional health testing for members of the county health plan at the Health Fairs.