ST. GEORGE — A plan to manage Washington County's explosive rate of growth will need everyone's ideas, participation and even their money, according to an agreement signed by local and statewide leaders.
"The incredible growth in this area, combined with the outstanding natural features and unique landscape, make it absolutely essential that a blueprint for future growth and development be established that will protect the lifestyle unique to southwestern Utah," Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. wrote in a letter of endorsement that Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert signed on his behalf during the Utah League of Cities and Towns' mid-year meeting last week in St. George.
Washington County commissioners and representatives from the Nature Conservancy, Oquirrh Institute and Envision Utah signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement links the public and the three nonprofit entities together in a yearlong planning process that also includes a commitment to fund the estimated $470,000 project. Each city in the county likely will be asked to participate in the plan financially and by assigning someone to a steering committee.
Benchmark criteria for air quality, traffic, water usage, land consumption, housing characteristics, quality-of-life issues and the like will be established with the public's help, according to the new quality growth plan. The county's general plan also will be updated with results of the committee's analysis and recommendations.
Washington County's current growth rate of 8 percent a year and its population of nearly 140,000 residents makes it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.
"This rapid growth rate, which is expected to continue, is placing increased pressure on the region," the county commissioners said in a prepared statement. "Because of Washington County's tremendous growth, comprehensive land-use planning is needed at a local and regional scale."
Huntsman said he has long been an advocate for quality growth planning, citing his work as a former chair of Envision Utah.
"The question isn't 'if' Washington County will grow, but 'how,' " Huntsman wrote. "I endorse the efforts of Washington County and the local cities' work on the land-use legislation, as well as the work now being made with the comprehensive growth-planning project. Our continued planning will help achieve an excellent balance between conservation and growth planning."
Dave Livermore, Utah Director of the Nature Conservancy, said the agreement is "a positive first step" that is much needed in Washington County.
"I think this is going to be one of the most ambitious projects ever taken on," Livermore said.
He pointed out the plan includes strategic short-term steps and a five-year plan to keep the momentum going.
"The key next step will be to develop a steering committee and hold workshops for the public to participate in," he added.
A countywide group already is examining ideas for adding affordable housing to the local market, although the high cost of land is often cited as a major roadblock.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, plan to introduce federal legislation in Congress later this year that would create a comprehensive land-use plan for Washington County.
The proposed legislation would allow for the sale of about 25,000 acres of public lands to pay for conservation and utility easements. It also sets aside other lands for protection of wilderness and sensitive species.
Environmentalists say the bill was drafted without adequate public input and needs revision.
E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com