Section 79-7-502 - Recreation Coordinated Investment Initiative(1) There is created within the division an initiative known as the "Recreation Coordinated Investment Initiative."(2) The initiative is to manage, maintain, expand, restore, and improve outdoor recreation infrastructure on public lands within the state, including building new or expanding existing outdoor recreation infrastructure to address increased usage and to minimize overcrowding or overuse.(3) Consistent with this part, the division may enter into: (a) a partnership agreement to accomplish the objectives listed in Subsection (2) for outdoor recreation infrastructure, such as a shared stewardship agreement, a challenge cost-share agreement, or other formal agreement; and(b) a recreation management agreement to maintain outdoor recreation infrastructure, including motorized or nonmotorized trails, trail networks, or trails across multiple jurisdictions.(4) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the division may make rules, after notifying the commission, establishing procedures consistent with Subsections (2) and (5) for entering into an agreement described in Subsection (3).(5) To accomplish the objectives listed in Subsection (2), the initiative shall develop and oversee a project proposal process to: (a) develop statewide priorities that reflect eligibility criteria established under this section, including projects that:(i) are of interest and benefit to recreation users;(ii) offer the advantages and effectiveness of participation between state and other land management agencies;(iii) would benefit local communities; and(iv) can be completed in a timely manner; and(b) address funding amounts allocated in the agreements described in Subsection (3).(6) The director of the division shall designate staff with relevant expertise or experience to administer the initiative.(7)(a) The initiative staff shall compile data and provide a performance report to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee on or before November 1 of each year.(b) An annual performance report under this Subsection (7) shall include for a fiscal year: (i) by source, the initiative's total annual resources, including partner funds;(ii) the total amount of outdoor recreation infrastructure project areas that are benefited by the initiative during the fiscal year;(iii) the total amount of trail miles that receive maintenance;(iv) the total amount of state funding or in-kind resources that are used to leverage non-state partner resources; and(v) other performance metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness of the initiative.Added by Chapter 145, 2023 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 5/3/2023.