Commission adopts framework for Regional Recreation Councils and can now fund planning under HB90

Commission staff presented an update on the Outdoor Recreation Initiative and proposed structure for Regional Recreation Councils (RRCs), saying the program will solicit and rank regional projects and that the commission will finalize project approvals.

At the meeting Speaker 2 (Patrick) explained that HB90 broadened permissible uses of the outdoor recreation restricted account to include planning and NEPA, enabling the division to offer project management and planning assistance rather than only construction grants. Chair (Speaker 1) relayed guidance the commission received from the Legislature's appropriations process: "in the future, they are not expecting our prioritization to go to the legislature. This commission will prioritize the projects, and then those projects will get funded," a point commissioners described as giving the commission greater discretion to allocate appropriated funds.

Staff reviewed awarded projects, including a partial award and potential project-management role for the Guacamole Mesa NEPA and trailhead infrastructure work, a reduced-but-approved award for Duck Creek, and a commission allocation of $2.5 million toward the Colorado River pathway project; UDOT has indicated a contingent $10 million commitment that together would meet the project's roughly $12.5 million cost. Commissioners discussed contract mechanisms (state division vs. federal or UDOT pathways) and noted that some applicants cannot hold funds directly and will require a host or MOU.

The commission and staff described a five-region model for RRCs, draft rosters and a ranking committee intended to preserve local leadership while accommodating federal partners and user-group representation. Staff proposed using needs assessments, public engagement and regional strategic plans to guide prioritization and to protect equity among user groups. The division will circulate formal grant-application and vetting processes, MOUs for collaborative applicants (for example, the Zion Regional Collaborative), and rosters before the next round of project solicitations.

Next steps identified in the meeting included circulating a legislative summary and staff'generated materials to commissioners, finalizing RRC rosters and charters, and beginning outreach to stakeholders ahead of council kickoffs and project solicitation.