Boom counties to get aid in lean times
Counties experiencing a boom from oil and gas exploration will have access to a fund that will cushion them during their bust periods.
With the passage of SB18 Tuesday, a restricted account will be established using money from the oil and gas severance tax, which is a portion of the profits generated by the mining of the energy resources. Currently, the severance taxes go into the state's general fund.
Along with providing an emergency fund for counties — especially those in eastern Utah, where the oil and natural gas reserves are being tapped — it will also give them money for infrastructure improvements during the boom period.
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