The Southern Ute Growth Fund has opened a new utilities building. Tribal Council and representatives of the Southern Ute Growth Fund gathered at the site on Thursday, June 26 for a grand opening ceremony that was blessed by council member, Howard D. Richards Sr. Located on State Highway 172 just north of the solid waste transfer station, the new utilities building will feature updated services for tribal members, including a convenient payment system. Tribal members can now make payments at the new building’s drive-up window with an online payment system expected to follow. The utilities building will continue to manage water treatment, water hauling, trash collecting, natural gas, and other services provided throughout the reservation. New staff has been hired to replace those who have retired from the department. Chairman Clement J. Frost and Bruce Valdez, executive director of the Growth Fund, had the honor of cutting the ribbon during the grand opening.