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Show CLIPPER TODAY B4 Post Labor Day decline in area gas prices fails to materialize BY BOB MKXELSON Clipper Today Staff Writer - SALT LAKE CITY Hopes that gasoline prices might come down a bit after Memorial Day have apparently been dashed as officials at AAA of Utah reported Utah prices had broken record highs for the second month in a row. According to AAAs monthly gas survey, the statewide average is now $1.40 for a gallon of self-serregular unleaded, up a penny from last month. Although they had warned drivers not to expect a dramatic decrease, area analysts had hoped for a slight reduction in prices after Labor Day. the traditional end of the summer driving other factors appear to be still them upward, at least, for the pushing moment. Gas prices typically come down after Labor Day weekend as demand fallsi said AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough. But, Utah pump pnces are following the national trend by moving higheiT City averages in Utah include the following: Salt Lake City, $1.40 (up a penny since Aug. 24); Ogden, $ 1.39 (also up a penny); and Provo, $1.41(up 2 cents). Since Aug. 24. gas prices in northern California cities are down 9 cents, averaging $L56 a gallon. In Nevada, the statewide average is $1.48, down 8 cents in the same period. Analysts say that West Coast pnces are only now recov- ering from refinery turmoil that plagued the region for much of this year. Crude oil pnces have nsen by about $12 a barrel on the world market since the beginning of the year and are largely responsible for higher gas prices," said Alan Kovski, an energy analyst with the Kiphnger Washington Letter In Washington. D.GThe national average has risen 2 cents in a month to $ L28, according to AAA. As recently as March, the Utah a was under a dollar a gallon. Since April, OPEC members have er-a- tightened up oil production and succeeded in boosting crude prices. Analysts say that every $1 increase in a barrel of crude oil yields a 2.5 cent per gallon increase at the pumps. At the last meeting of OPEC, some energy watchers were noting there appears to be total solidanty within that In fact, the various organization. nations oil ministers may not meet again until next March. If the above is true, it doesn't bode well for future gasoline pnce or. for that matter, heating oil costs, since it would take the country through the home heating season. You never can tell;' said Fairclough in conclusion. There are other factors that can affect prices and there are countries that promany duce a lot of oil. Higher prices may encourage them to increase production and increasing the supply may help lower prices;' non-OPE- C COG OKs new grant criteria BY MELINDA WILLIAMS Clipper Today Staff Writer Davis Council FARMINGTON of Governments members have approved new guidelines for the year 2000 Community Block Grant Program. First and foremost, projects to develop and expand social services and affordable housing to meet the needs of low income citizens, will be considered. Second will be projects to revitalize downtown areas to prevent urban blight, increase economic development, maintain a high quality of life and create a sense of place for residents. The third priority will be infrastructure replacement something which up until now has been a major item CDBG funding has been used for in Davis County. Speaking to COG members, Lane Nielsen, representing Wasatch Front Regional Council, said a committee made up of their own members determined it was time to consider solutions to problems which come with urbanization. He said as Davis County has grown in recent years, there have been more homeless and low income residents in need of services in the county. It's time to address those needs." he said. That recommendation though drew questions from a number of mayors. North Salt Lake Mayor Jim Dixon questioned the need to change now. Is the fed (federal government) or state not happy with what weve done in the past? Why would we want to change it? I understand we're meeting the criteria. Dixon added the new criteria may eliminate projects that might have been done in the past KBYU Lawrence Wek Liberty1 The American Revolution iCO Liberty The American Revolution (CC) n |