Sen. Bob Bennett has released a legislative proposal on behalf of Washington County commissioners that would drastically change the landscape of southwestern Utah. The proposal is titled "The Washington County Growth and Conservation Act of 2006" — a rather glaring oxymoron. If it is passed, urban sprawl would occur on an unbelievable magnitude.
The proposal sells off 40 square miles of public land for private development and gives water developers approximately 14 square miles of public land for water development, free of charge.
It allows the damming of the free-flowing stream in the Beaver Dam Narrows.
It permits a new bypass highway through public land previously set aside to protect desert tortoises.
It mandates a new ORV trail system but does nothing to control already uncontrolled ORV use.
Rep. Jim Matheson also supports this proposal. I urge you to ask that public hearings to be held. Don't let the proposal become a bill.
William I. Corkle
Salt Lake City