Daggett County seeks land swap near Flaming Gorge

By Amy Joi O'Donoghue and Geoff Liesik, Deseret News

Published: Friday, March 23 2012 3:21 p.m. MDT

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Summary

Faced with the loss of nearly $400,000 in federal money next year, Daggett County officials are seeking a land swap between the U.S. Forest Service and the school trust lands agency that could allow private development to take place within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

"We have to capitalize on this lake somehow," Steglich added. "We have to create an environment where businesses can succeed."

The county does have about 2,200 acres available for development in the Dutch John area. Getting someone to purchase and build on that land is still the top priority, Daggett County Commission Chairman Jerry Steglich said.

And while that could provide a short-term fix for the county's financial problems, commissioners say they need the U.S. government to turn over more land if the county is ever going to be self-sustaining.

Asked how much land that might be, Steglich answered: "All that we can take from the federal government."

E-mail: gliesik@desnews.com, amyjoi@desnews.com

Twitter: GeoffLiesik, amyjoi16

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About the Authors

Geoff Liesik

Amy Joi O'Donoghue

Amy Joi O'Donoghue is the environmental reporter the Deseret News, specializing in coverage of issues that affect land, air, water and energy development. She has worked here since 1998 and has been an assistant city more ..

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