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Show SPANISH FORK Covering what matters most A6 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009 Provo to Nebo corridor Lindsay B. Wolsey I'm involved in the meetings, so I get phone calls and they catch me at church. It's the hottest topic out this way," Bailey continued. Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) Transportation Planner, Shawn Eliot, hopes to preserve agricultural areas. "I would hope we could do some planning if the community wants to stay agricultural that we could preserve room for it," Eliot said. During the study the consensus has been to try STAFF WRITER This is the first in a series of articles on the future of rural South Utah County. No one knows for certain what the future holds, but that doesn't stop the folks involved in the Provo to Nebo Corridor Study from doing their best to plan for transportation needs 30 years in the future. The purpose of the study is to identify future transportation corridor alignments between Prpvo and Payson. The current population of south Utah County is around 110,000 and by 2040 is could be as high as 400,000 people. More people means more cars on the roads, and more connecting routes to get people where they need to go. There are three proposed corridors on the map, the Nebo Loop Corridor, the University Ave/Spanish Fork Main Street Connector, and a west side route of 3400 West in Payson to 4O00 South in Springville. Most of the ground that would be affected is agricultural ground. "This road would take out about three homes near my house in Lake Shore, so people around me are very concerned," David Bailey said. Bailey is a resident of Lake Shore and has been representing the Utah Farm Bureau at the study meetings. "Out here a lot of people want to remain somewhat rural. People found out that "The more people to get involved, the better." - David Bailey to keep more of a rural feel on roads, while planning to service a larger population. While the land on the west side of 1-15 is mainly agricultural ground, many residents are concerned about proposed changes coming in. If the waste water facility and transfer station come into Palmyra, road work will be needed. Eliot stresses that nothing is being built yet. "The road builders are not going to start building a road and plow through houses. We're trying to avert what's happened in the north end of the county where they're having to buy a lot of homes and tear out neighborhoods to provide roads," Eliot said. "We're not going to be building a road in 10, 15, or even 20 years," Eliot emphasized. "We're saying that when development occurs, we'll know where the road is supposed to go. When developers come out, we can have them step back from that area and it won't get developed over." Previous open houses held by MAG have had little turnout. According to Eliot, people usually don't take the time to get involved in a corridor study until they know the road is going in by their house. "We're just trying to plan for the future in Utah County, and we're not going to build anything until the demand is there. We're still very open to making adjustments to the straight lines on the map, so come out to meetings and give us your suggestions," Eliot said. "We feel it's more proactive to address these issues now rather than waiting until it's a big problem." "The more people to get involved the better," agreed Bailey. An open house to discuss the Provo to Nebo Corridor Study will be held Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Diamond Fork Jr. High at 50 North 900 East, Spanish Fork. All concerned citizens are invited to attend and give input into the proposed corridors. More information is available at www.provbtonebo.com. to do it's the right thli/u*) to do it's the s>\M,c\vt SF City Council Jen Allen STAFF WRITER Last Thursday Spanish Fork City Officials held this month's second city council meeting. Again they kept the meeting fairly short even though the agenda was packed with several items. Councilman Andersen took some time to talk about how the passing of one of Spanish Fork's previous Mayors, Marie Huff, was being honored by having all the flags in town lowered to half mast until her funeral. Andersen talked about the generosity of Mayor Huff and her dedication and love for this community. She has been the only female mayor for Spanish Fork in its 154 year history, but she is surely not to be the last. First up on the agenda for the meeting was a con- tract held concerning the North Park complex. City Attorney, Junior Baker, explained that the company involved in the contract would not be able to attain the financing for the project as was initially proposed because of the current economic downfall. The current improvements that have been made to the area will be paid to the company by the city per the contract, however the rest of the infrastructure work on the site will be completed by Spanish Fork City. As was set forward in the details of the resolution, the amount paid back is not to exceed a stipulated amount of around $480,000.00. The council also agreed to sign a contract with Allied Waste for the recycling program. The cost of the program is actually coming in about a dollar less than the anticipated costs when bids were received. The city has built into the monthly fee two buffers that will allow for any additional charge by Allied should the price of gasoline soar or should Allied have to sell off certain recyclable materials. Those who signed up for the service will soon be receive notice to confirm that they want the service, when the service will be turned on and what day they will have to take their new blue cans to the curb for pick up. Finally the council approved the ratification of a document put forward by the Utah League of Cities and Towns stating that any increase in the gas tax should in fact be distributed as stipulated by the current standard formula so that the whole transportation network will receive the funding necessary. Veterans: From VETERANS • A l and the torch you passed to us," Scoubes continued. "We thank you for your service and the example you've been-to us, and hope we've been able to emulate that service." Solie and Scoubes surprised Post 68 when they presented Post Commander John Williams with a plaque and a flag that flew over their camp in Afghanistan. The flag flew for 9 hours and 11 minutes on the 27th of October in the Bagram Post in Afghanistan. ' "I was speechless," Williams said. "That was one of the biggest surprises I ever had. Here they had a flag that they flew in their camp for 9 hours and 11 minutes, in range of the enemy firing at their camp, and they waved that flag at the enemy. Here they were, over there looking out for themselves and their citizens, and they thought enough about the veterans back here to do that." The Post plans to place the flag in a presentation box and mount the flag on the wall in their meeting room. Post 68 presented Maren Christensen a Certificate of Appreciation for being the full-time bugler for the Legion. While Christensen has never been a member of the military, she is an honorary member of the post. "We have watched all of her kids grow up," Williams said. "She would bring them with her from the time they were babies to play Taps at funerals. All the guys and gals in the outfit have adopted her as a daughter." Also honored was Mel Christopherson. Mel was selected as the Legionnaire of the Year for 2008. According to Williams, it was no surprise who the 2008 recipient should be. "The four officers discussed this about a month ago, and it was unanimous that Mel has done more for the local post than anyone else." Christopherson is instrumental in preparing weapons and other equipment that the Legionnaires use at funerals, and helps out whenever he is asked. "When we were setting up tables, I mentioned to Mel that there would be photographers running around and he might want to shave," Williams joked. "He was very surprised that he was selected." After the awards were given, members of the Women's Auxiliary spoke of relatives that served during-Worfd Wapft:" i '-r *~- ^ '-I * ve had some of the Legionnaires call me and tell me this was one of the best meetings we've ever had." Williams said. "We were so happy that we were able to honor our two returned members from Afghanistan. They're super young men and it's a pleasure to have them with us. For me, that was the highlight of the evening." your concrete a\^d asphalt we beat the call Bob or Blake for -price by (801) 793*6652 30%! Lindsay B. Wolsey / Spanish Fork News MAN OF THE YEAR: Post Commander John Williams presents the of American Legionnaire of the Year 2008 award to Mel Christopherson. Huff: From HUFF*A1 local schools. She served on the city Arts Council until just a couple or so years ago. She was a dedicated member of her DUP Camp and was often called as a special speaker in local schools. Yes indeed, she left her mark on the city of Spanish Fork. She gave it her all as long as she lived here. I'm glad I had a short visit with her just a couple of weeks ago. But, she was getting weary of "just hanging on." Her mind was keen and she still had things she wanted to do, but her body was tired. She had her 95th birthday last September, so she was into her 96th year. So, good-bye, Marie! Thank you for all you have done for all of us. We shall keep you close in our hearts and remember the legacy of goodness you have left for your family, for the citizens of Spanish Fork and me. Love,Shirlene |