Beef raised in Summit County could be available in stores and restaurants in the Park City area this winter.
The Summit County Council unanimously approved a $10,000 grant and $15,000 loan for the Summit County Beef project, a move which some officials say could help boost economic development in the area.
"They may well be on to something," said County Councilman Chris Robinson, himself a cattle rancher on the East Side of Summit County. "This seed money could blossom into something good."
Summit County Sustainability Coordinator Ashley Koehler said she requested the funding to help spark the sale of locally produced beef in restaurants and grocery stores.
She said about $10,000 is needed for the costs of marketing the beef. Koehler said she would use a separate $15,000 loan from the county for purchasing 60 calves and processing and transporting the beef. The calves would be sold by Kamas rancher John Blazzard, who would raise the animals until the livestock is ready to slaughter.
Koehler said ranchers may earn an extra 20 cents per pound when selling their beef locally.