The Economic Development Corporation of Utah has awarded nearly $50,000 to 22 Utah communities and economic development groups through its match grant program.

The match grant program is a statewide initiative set up in 1989 to support specific economic development efforts in three areas: professional development, program and/or conference sponsorship and marketing. Grants may cover up to half the cost of a pre-approved project or $5,000, although organizations may apply for and be awarded multiple grants.

Since the program's inception, EDCU has awarded more than $700,000 to communities and organizations in all 29 of Utah's counties.

The 2007 recipients include:

• Professional Development: Canyon Region Economic Development Agency, Logan, South Salt Lake, Salt Lake City's Downtown Alliance, Price, Wasatch Area Economic Development Agency and Washington.

• Program Sponsorship: Brigham City, Canyon Region Economic Development Agency and Wasatch Area Economic Development Agency.

• Marketing: American Fork , Brigham City, Cedar City, South Jordan, Davis County Council of Governments, Eagle Mountain, Murray, North Salt Lake, Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce, Wasatch Area Economic Development Agency, West Jordan Chamber of Commerce and West Valley City.