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Show Emery County Progress, Castle Dale, Utah Fiscal summary of the 1999 Utah Legislature In a quiet and businesslike session, the Utah State Legis-la- t ure appropriated $6.4 billion for FY 2000, started a process to address the states urban growth challenges by creating a new commission, found a compromise in the fight between banks and credit unions, expanded legislative oversight of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, did its part in creating a west- ern states presidential primary election for next March and clipped the independence of the state Attorney General and county attorneys. Public education received an appropriation of $2.1 billion, an increase of 2.5 percent over that authorized for FY 1999. Eighty-fou- r percent of the total appropriation funds the states Minimum School Program (MSP). This is the program that finances the states school classes, including teachers and school K-1- 2 district administrative salaries and all operational expenses related to administer- ing public education. Next to the MSF the State Office of Education accounts for 6 percent of the budget and School Food Services 5 per- lege, the State Board of Regents and the Utah Education Network (UEN). Ninety-fiv- e percent of the appropriation goes to the nine universities and colleges. The small balance funds the Board of Regents ($19.9 million) which supervises the state system of higher education and UEN ($15.2 million) which is a collaborative effort with public education and includes two public television stations and two statewide education technology networks. Like public school teachers and administrators, higher education employees received a 2.5 percent pay hike. The Department of Corrections (adult and youth) received a total appropriation of 4250.9 million, and increase of 417.1 million or 7.3 percent over FY 1999. The appropriation for Adult Corrections increased by $11.5 million or 7.2 percent; the appropriation for Youth Corrections increased by $5.5 million or 7.8 percent. Adult Corrections received Cenfunding for the tral Utah Correctional Facility at Gunnison which will soon go out for bid and be completed by April 2000. The legislature also authorized the construction of a minimum security dormitory which is expected to be completed by fall 1999. The Department of Public Safety received $90.7 million for FY 2000, an increase of 9.5 percent over that authorized for the previous year. The General Rind increase amounted to $2.4 million or 6.0 percent and the federal funds increase amounted to $3.1 million or 30 percent more than last year. The increase in federal funds is to plan and develop security procedures for the 2002 Olym288-be- d The legislature raised several license fees for the Driv- ers License Division in order to convert to a digitized driver license system. Once in operation, the new system will be easier to administer and virtually eliminate the ability of unauthorized individuals to duplicate or modify the license. cent. The balance of the budget goes to the Division of Mental Health, the Office of Recovery Services, the Office of Substance Abuse, Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Office of the Executive Director. The Division of Services for People with Disabilities received the largest increase in ceived $305,400 for six funds (61 percent of the total ficers. It also received $376,900 budget increase) to provide an for nuclear waste oversight. array of community services This funding covers its highfor individuals on a long critiThe Highway Patrol renew of- way oversight responsibilities. The Department of Health received $916.8 million for FY 2000, an increase of 3.4 percent over FY 1999. Of this total, 79.9 percent of the funds go to fund the Medicaid program. Lower oil prices are causing lower assessments on oilgas extractions and lower mineral lease revenue. This has affected the operating budgets of two divisions within the Department of Natural Re- sources Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and Utah Geological Survey. This forced both divisions to ask for General Fund help. The Division of Oil, Gas and Mining received a $267,000 onetime General Rind appropriation to ensure there would be no disruption in services. The cal waiting list. The Division of Mental Health received $3.1 million for the operation of the new State Hospital forensic facility which will be dedicated soon. The Legislature approved a g increase of 2.5 percent for local (generally county) providers of mental cost-of-livin- health, substance abuse, people with disabilities and aging services. This increase matches the increase provided for all public and higher education and cost-of-livin- g state government employees. The Legislature appropri- Agricultural statistics Major activities included the movement of cattle and sheep to summer ranges, spraying fruit, and cutting hay, according to the Utah Agricultural Statistics Service. The wet weather throughout the week slowed farming , especially the cutting of hay. There were ! on-goi- -- Utahs population growth rate slowing: i ( Continued from page 5 A) els reached from 1991 to 1997. is occurLess net ring because of a general moderation in economic activity locally and improved economic conditions in other states, particularly California. California is now jn its fourth year of economic expansion, after a deep recession in the early part of this decade. The rate of job growth in Cali- fornia (3.1 percent), exceed that of Utah (3.0 percent), during 1998. The relationship between job growth and population growth during 1998 is a reversion to more normal patterns than experienced in recent years. From 1993 to 1996, the job growth rate was more than twice the population growth rate, and the level of job growth was greater than the population growth. Furthermore, the number of jobs cre ated was about 20 percent greater than the population increase. Part of the disparity resulted in 1992 to 3.1 percent in 1997. Utahs population reached 1 million during 1966 and 2 million during 1996, 30 years later. The states fastest growth occurred during the 1970s, when the population increased at a because temporary workers not residing in Utah are not counted in the population. 3.3 percent average annual Two other sources of disparity include an increasing portion rate. The 1.7 percent rate of of the population working and annual increase in 1998 reprean increasing portion of work- sents a deceleration in the rate ers holding more than one job. of growth of the states popuAdditionally, the unemploy- lation. It is, in fact, the slowment rate fell from 5.0 percent est growth rate since 1990. five-ye- percentage five-ye- ar ar Sheep moved to summer ranges was 71 percent complete, 12 percentage points above last year. Subsoil moisture was 8 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Topsoil moisture was 9 percent short, 86 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Range and pastures were 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 70 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. 12 percent headed, just barely ahead of last year. Oats were 95 percent emerged, 8 percent above 1998 and the average and 9 percent headed. five-ye- 25 points behind the average. Cattle moved to summer ranges was 75 percent complete, 6 percent above 1998. ar Corn was 94 percent planted, 1 percent below r the average; and 62 percent emerged. Corn height was 6 inches, 2 inches above 1998. Alfalfa hay height was at 18 inches, 5 inches below 1998 and 2 five-yea- lature pass two bond bills. Senate Bill 2, 1999 authorized a general obligation bond of $54.5 million and a lease revenue bond for $9.0 million. In ronmental Quality received $42.1 million. The Legislature appropriated $33.6 million for capital improvements of state facilities throughout Utah. The Department of Community and Economic Development received $22.7 million for community assistance and e $3.6 million for housing. Public Education re- addition a transportation bond was approved for $68 million. Total G.O. bond projects amounted to 4122.5 million. low-incom- House Bill 2 authorized 468.0 million in G.O. Bonds for ceived $29.4 million for school buildings. highway construction. The legislature appropriated In additional to other capital appropriations, the Legis $153.6 million for debt service. The Secret Corners of Castle Country 1999 Eastern Utahs Energy Loop June 21-2- 1999 6, Schedule of Events Monday, June 21, 1999 10:00-3:0- 0 Mammoths, Mining & Museums FREE! Meet at the CEU Museum Parking Lot Bus tour field trip to the Huntington Canyon Mammoth Site and Mastadon Site with an orientation to Huntington Canyon and the Eccles Canyon Scenic Loop. A tour operator will be stationed on the bus to provide information. Field Trip Stops: Huntington Kiosk (10 min.), Stuart Guard Station with Layne Miller (1 hr ), Fairview Parking Lot Lunch (provide your own sack lunch-- 1 hr.), Huntington Canyon Mammoth Site with Layne Miller (30 min.) Short Stops: Scofield Cemetery, Colton, Helper Depot, Western Mining and Railroad Museum Advance Reservations Required Tuesday, June 22, 1999 10:00am The Energy Loop Caravan Tour - FREE! Meet at the Western Mining and Railroad Museum of the Mining and Railroad 'Museum with Eldon Miller 1 0:00-- 1 1 :30 Tour of the Helper Depot and Yards with Eldon Miller 1 1 :30-- 1 2:00 Lunch in Helper (on your own) 1 2:00-- 1 :00 Tour at the Cyprus Coal Mine with John Pappas 1 0 Historic Colton, Utah Ghost Town Tour with Dennis Finch and conclude with a drive to the remains of Colton 3:00-4:0- 0 Scofield Cemetery, Scofield Utah Tour with Woody Carter and Kim Erkkila 4:30-5:3- 0 Dutch Oven Dinner ($8.00 per person), Scofield Park (Meet in the School in case of inclement weather) Menu: Chicken, Beans, Salad, Potatoes, Hot Rolls, Brownies Presentation by Allen Kent Powell Cultural Diversity and Utah's Work Force 7:00p.m. Advance Reservations Required Tour Wednesday, June 23, 1999 10:00am Fine Arts in the Forest turned in on floppy disk, have to follow certain guidelines set forth by our publisher as to what constitutes one or the other. Tips for improved service: Due to the fact that much of our administrative, adver- chance of something getting lost in the shuffle. If you want bringing them in. your submission to run in Guidelines for articles: both papers please inform our erence). We love submissions from office as well as the Sun AdOne of the most difficult vocate. the public news stories, fea- decisions we have to make at ture stories, letters, guest col- the paper is what constitutes Our subscription dataumns, etc. The paper is also a a public submission versus tising and circulation func- base is maintained at the Sun great forum for public debate what should be paid advertis- tions are centralized at the Advocate, if you are having of local issues we welcome ing. Please help us by making Sun Advocate offices in Price, problems receiving your debate of controversial issues that determination on your we offer the following tips to newspaper please contact e at (888) so long as the arguments stay own as much as possible and improve your service. them directly refor submissions not put us in the position of If the this doesnt focused on the issues. Bring Submissions that have having to turn down your sub- Progress directly to our office solve your problem feel free to and we been carefully edited make mission because it belongs in rather than the Sun Advo- contact us at our job easier and can be the advertising category. We cate. This decreases the will be happy to help you. (Continued from page 6A) planted, cent headed, 9 percent behind last year and 22 percent behind the average. Spring wheat was , Submission Guidelines: please be selective when days suitable for 5 field work during the week. Winter wheat was 27 per- ll i inches below average. Alfalfa first cutting was 27 percent complete, only slightly behind 1998. Other hay cutting was 2 percent completed, 2 percent behind 1998. Barley was 16 percent headed, only 2 percent behind last year. Dry beans were 7 percent ated $716.6 million for the states capital budget, which is separate from the operations budget. The capital budcent. All other programs inget includes acquisition, concluding rehabilitation, serstruction, and improvements vices for the deaf and blind, Utah Geological Survey re- to fixed public assets. ceived a $1 10,000 Custom Fit Training, the arts, genFunding for the capital buderal fund appropriation to get comes from three main Applied Technology Centers cover the shortfall and to prosources: transportation fund, etc., account for the remainvide for additional position for $213.4 million (29.8 percent); ing 5 percent. The legislature increased federal funds, $201.2 million preconstruction site surveys. The Legislature approved (28.1 percent); and general the Weighted Pupil Unit the transfer of $3,000,000 from fund, $175.8 million (24.5 per(WPU), the basic funding tool for the states MSP by 2.5 perthe Conservation and Deve- cent). Almost three fourths. of the cent, or from $1,854 to $1,901. lopment Fund (a revolving The WPU is a weighted forloan fund for water developcapital budget, $528.4 million mula for counting the number ment) to pay the sixth of goes for transportation seven payments to the Central projects. Of this amount, of students in the states 40 school districts. Utah Water Conservancy Dis$231.1 million pays for the trict for reclamation, mitiga- Interstate project (through Higher Education received an appropriation of $713.5 miltion and conservation efforts the Centennial Highway associated with the project. lion, an increase of 4.7 percent pics. Fund), $181.2 million for other above that authorized for FY The Division of ComprehenAlmost 60 percent of the state highway construction 1999. However, of the total apsive and Emergency ManagDepartment of Human Ser- projects, and $103.4 million ement vices million is received $6.2 continued budget goes to two di- goes to the B&C Road Fund propriation, one-tim- e funding. Higher funding of $ 1 .4 million for over- visions; Services for People which helps pay for city and Education includes the states sight responsibility regarding with Disabilities (29.8 per- county road maintenance and four universities, four communuclear waste transportation cent) and the Division of Child repair. one state col and Family Services (29.0 per and storage issues in Utah. The Department of Envi- colleges, nity 300-be- d Tuesday, June 15, 1999 7 A typed, faxed or handwritten (in order of our pref- toll-fre- 637-073- 2. 381-243- 1 Meet at Stuart Guard Station. Enrollment limited to 15 per class Choose from FREE! instructional classes in: Photography by Layne Miller at Stuart Guard. Painting with Joe Venus at Tie Fork. Materials needed: acrylic paints, water & canvas. Bring your own bag lunch. Writing with Steve Sims at Stuart Guard. Dutch Oven Dinner ($8.00 per person) in the Castle Dale Park 5:30-7:0- 0 Tour of the Museum of the San Rafael Evening demonstrations in: Cowboy Poetry by Kent Peterson, Leon Jeffs, and Bert Oman. Music by the Jones Boys & Co. At the Museum of the San Rafael 7:00 Advance Reservations Required Thursday, June 24, 1999 Ropes, Fat Tires & Rods 10:00am-Noo- n Choose from Instructional Classes in: Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Meet at Cleveland Reservoir...need a valid fishing license and your own supplies & Climbing Rappeling Spring Canyon - Meet in Spring Canyon ($5.00 equipment fee) Mountain Bike North Skyline Drive - Meet at Fairview Parking Lot...need your own bike and equipment Personal Water Craft, Boating Safety and Inspection - Meet at Scofield Reservoir State Park Madsen Ramp or Huntington State Park.. .need your own watercraft ($5.00 park entrance fee) Lunch on your own Guided tour of Skyline Drive Area - Meet at the Fairview Parking Lot Guided tour of the Spring Canyon Ghost Towns with Eldon Miller Advance Reservations Required & George Farrish. Friday, June 25, 1999 10:00-5:0- 0 The Five Senses ol the Forest 1 0:00am-5:00p- Enrollment Limited to 1 5 per class Choose from FREE! Instructional Classes in: Wildlife - Meet at the Fairview Parking Lot Birdwatching - Meet at the Fairview Parking Lot Wildflowers and Plants - Meet at the Fairview Parking Lot 1 :00 pm Enrollment Limited to 1 5 per class Dutch Oven Cooking with Layne Miller - Meet at the Stuart Guard Station Bring your own Dutch Oven and Ingredients Low Impact Camping with Mike Lashin of BLM a! Stuart Guard Advance Reservations Required Cultural CEU Saturday, June 26, 1999 10:00am Natural Landscapes of the Wasatch Plateau & Museum Activity Day FREE! - Games, food and demonstrations - Archaeology in the Canyon with Jeanette Evans, - Paleontology at the Cleveland-Lloy- d Dinosaur Quarry - UFOP Advance Reservations Required 10:00am-3:00p10:00am-7:00p- Daily Specials J Noaocn ACTUAL TOTAL Call -- SUE AflEA 2 BATH X IT) SO FT. Drive a Little Save a Lot O HOMES 540 W. Hwy. 40, Vernal, Utah Hours 9am to 6pm, Monday, thru Saturday 1 Open 11:00am to 9:00pm 190 South Main Huntington 687-555- 6 For accomodations, Information or to register contact: Castle County Travel Region or Kathy Hanna While in Castle Country dont forget the 3 challenging golf courses in Price, Gfeen River and Ferron; the Cleveland-Lloyrock art of Nine Mile Canyon; the d Dinosaur Quarry open from 10:00am-7:00pthe entire week of June 21 - June 26; the breathtaking geology of the San Rafael Swell including the Wedge Overtook, Cedar Mountain and Buckhom Draw; outstanding river rafting on the Green River; 5 beautiful State Parks: Huntington, Scofield, Millsite, Goblin Valley and Green River; 5 world class museums: the Western Mining and Railroad Museum in Helper, the CEU Prehistoric Museum In Price, the Museum of the San Rafael and the Emery County Pioneer Museum in Castle Dale, and the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River; numerous ghost towns and scenic I amanN 4JS& |