The City Council is taking the lead in developing the Sanpete Historical Corridor by appropriating $1,500 to get the program under way.
Ephraim, Mt. Pleasant and Spring City are expected to follow suit in organizing a partnership that will work together in economic development and historic preservation.The money the four cities contribute will be used for several purposes, including hiring a part-time coordinator.
Why Manti, Ephraim, Spring City and Mt. Pleasant?
Partly because of their association in Sanpete's historic heartland along Highway 89. All four are in the forefront of preservation: Mt. Pleasant with its historic Main Street; Spring City, with its historic village listing on national and state registers; Ephraim, with its restored Old Mill development and Manti with the LDS Temple, the restored McAllister house and other pioneer buildings.
Wilson Martin of the Division of State History told the Manti City Council the four towns have a common treasure - heritage - that can be better mined to their economic advantage through avenues like tourism.
He said that in partnership they can work together in scheduling and promoting activities and undertaking promotional campaigns.
"We're also able to provide professional help," he added, pointing out that historic preservation and economic development can be made to work together like a two-horse team.