State Launches Utah Search and Rescue Assistance Card
07 Juli 2017 - 5:00PM
Business Wire
The Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, in partnership with the
Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Division of
Emergency Management, recently launched the Utah Search and Rescue
Assistance (USARA) card program.
Outdoor enthusiasts with a USARA card subscription will be
protected from expensive non-medical rescue costs if they get lost
or injured. The program provides a one-year individual subscription
for $25 and a family subscription for $35. Five-year subscriptions
can be purchased for $100 and $140, respectively.
“The USARA card gives you and your family peace of mind when you
are recreating in Utah’s backcountry, while supporting the search
and rescue teams we depend on,” said Tom Adams, Director of the
Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The USARA card is another important
piece of ‘gear’ you should take with you on the trail.”
The USARA card will supplement Utah’s Search and Rescue
Financial Assistance Program, which is currently funded through
surcharges on registered recreational vehicles and boats. The
program distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly to
counties across the state, but those reimbursements often do not
cover the full cost of search and rescue efforts.
Recent numbers show that more than 1,400 people are rescued by
search and rescue teams in Utah each year. Sixty-three percent of
victims are rescued in a county in which they didn’t reside. The
percent increases dramatically for tourism-rich areas such as Grand
County and can severely strain the small tax bases of rural
communities. The lack of funding to pay for search and rescue has
forced some counties to charge rescue victims for the cost of their
rescue.
“Back-bill charges can be an unwelcome surprise after the trauma
and anxiety of a backcountry incident,” said Sheriff Steven White
of Grand County, who serves as chair of the Search and Rescue
Advisory Board. “We look forward to the added protection for our
visiting friends as they enjoy Utah’s outdoor recreation.”
County sheriff departments coordinate search and rescue work
throughout the state, using highly skilled staff and volunteers.
USARA card proceeds will help fund the replacement, upgrade, and
rental of search and rescue equipment, as well as the training of
search and rescue volunteers. To contact a local county sheriff
office, visit the Utah Sheriffs’ Association.
To sign up for a Utah Search and Rescue Assistance card, visit
rescue.utah.gov.
About Utah.gov
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interacting with government. Through Utah.gov, citizens can find
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and fishing license, register a business, find a transparent state
budget, and much more. In 2016 alone, Utah.gov received 20 awards
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About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
(GOED)business.utah.gov
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is
based on Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s commitment to statewide economic
development. The state’s economic vision is that Utah will lead the
nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a
premier global business environment and tourist destination. GOED
provides extensive resources and support for business creation,
growth and recruitment statewide, as well as programs to increase
tourism and film production for the benefit of Utah residents. All
administered programs are based upon strategic industry clusters to
develop a diverse, sustainable economy. GOED accomplishes its
mission through unprecedented partnerships. For more information
please contact: Aimee Edwards, (801) 538-8811 or
edwards@utah.gov.
About the Utah Department of Public Safety
(DPS)dem.utah.gov
The Utah Division of Emergency Management
(dem.utah.gov) is the State's lead agency for coordinating state
resources in a disaster. Utah DEM also conducts emergency
preparedness efforts before a disaster through its Be Ready Utah
program (BeReadyUtah.gov). Be Ready Utah aims to help families,
businesses, schools and communities get ready for disaster.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170707005020/en/
Utah InteractiveSara Watts, 801-983-0275General
Managerswatts@utahinteractive.orgorGOEDAimee Edwards,
801-538-8811Communications Directoredwards@utah.gov
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