Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more. Reply to this email with any questions or suggestions regarding the newsletter. And thank you for subscribing!

A new courthouse for Manti

Manti has needed a new courthouse for some time now, and this week we finally got the project going! Sanpete County is home, and this community resource will provide residents the access to justice they deserve. We’re excited to see this new building emerge, designed to maintain the historic architectural style of Manti’s beautiful Main Street and better meet the needs of the public.  

Our thanks to the Judiciary and Legislature for prioritizing this new courthouse!

New inland port hub in Cedar City

On Tuesday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Utah’s first rural project in partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority. Investment in Utah’s rural economy is of vital importance to our administration. This 820-acre sustainable industrial park, Commerce Crossroads, will bring economic progress and regional business to southern Utah. 

This is a significant milestone for our states and marks progress toward our efforts to create One Utah and bolster the economic health of our rural communities!

“Groundplanting” in Zion National Park

During our swing through southern Utah, we participated in a “groundplanting” in Zion National Park for the new Discovery Center on the east side of the park! This “groundplanting” symbolizes new growth in the park. This new center will bring 70+ miles of new trails and recreation that reflects the best of Utah – local, state and national leaders in private and public sectors working together to create a shared vision on this beautiful land. 

Zion National Park is Utah’s most popular national park, so it’s fitting that a second visitor’s center is created. East Zion developments will create significant impacts in both Kane and Washington Counties, and the investment in rural economies will include resources, utilities and livable wage jobs. We’re proud that Native American perspectives and voices have been part of this conversation since the beginning. This rejuvenation of East Zion will bring new growth and repurposing. Learn more about the East Zion Initiative here.

A more compassionate approach to crisis care

A year ago, we broke ground on a new receiving center in St. George and this week we celebrated the grand opening of the Washington County Receiving Center! 

A regional safe haven for those dealing with a mental health crisis, The Washington County Receiving Center is the result of a longstanding partnership between state and county government and will: 

• Help prevent suicides and drug overdose,    

• Allow people to access help 24/7 365 days a year at any time;

• Divert people from expensive and sometimes unnecessary hospital emergency rooms; 

• Provide another option than the county jail for people in crisis;

• Function as a crisis response site and offers brief crisis stabilization, and

• Connect people to ongoing care.

We appreciate all those who worked hard to create this regional resource – make this happen, including the Washington County Commissioners, Law Enforcement, and mental health workers in the area. This center will save lives! Learn more about the center here.

Utah’s most exclusive club – the centenarians

Abby and I were honored to spend time with Utah’s most exclusive club, our centenarians, on Thursday. Over the course of the past century, these individuals have witnessed historic changes that the rest of us have only read about in books, two pandemics, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, and more. 

Our centenarians are resilient and have been instrumental in shaping our state’s culture and people. We can learn so much from our centenarians and I hope we will all be inspired to live a life of impact and legacy as they have. Learn more about the 2023 Class of Centenarians here. 

Celebrating Zions Bank

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson joined World Trade Center Utah on Tuesday to ring in the sesquicentennial celebration of Zions Bank.

With 150 years in business, Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution. We marked the occasion by celebrating another Utah institution, declaring Aug. 22, 2023, A. Scott Anderson Day in Utah.As the CEO of Zions Bank, Scott has served Utah with his visionary leadership, commitment to equal opportunities, and unwavering dedication to shaping the future of our beloved state.

Congratulations to the entire team at Zions Bank. Let’s keep growing together!

Spirit of Service Award: Stephanie Benally

Stephanie Benally is the Native American specialist for Utah Foster Care and one of this year’s Governor’s Spirit of Service Award Recipients! Stephanie launched the Cedar Project, a resource available for Native children in foster care to receive cultural information and support. She works with local and national media outlets to increase awareness about maintaining cultural connectivity for foster kids in the Native American community, and volunteers for the Utah AIDS Foundation, the Adopt-A-Native Elder program, Rape Recovery Center, League of Women Voters and the Utah State Correctional Facility. 

Congratulations, Stephanie, and thank you for your incredible service to our state!

ICYMI

• Peach Queen Olivia Powell stopped by the Capitol this week. Thanks for bringing us some fresh Brigham City peaches!

• Welcome back to school, Utah! Last week we stopped by Magna Elementary School and visited Mr. Wegner’s 6th grade class. Watch more here. 

• On Monday, Lt. Gov. Henderson joined the Tooele Chamber of Commerce for a discussion with local business leaders about growth, the economy, and strong communities. We have the strongest economy in the country because of Utah’s thoughtful and innovative business community.

Coming up

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!