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Show Southern Utah Group Heads for Washington In Kaiparowits Fight JL With the strains of the Kanab High School Pep Band directed by Ron Hamblin and with the words of encouragement from members of the Kane County Commission, over 40 local residents left Kane Countv Tuesday morning of this week on a trek to Washington D.C. where they will meet with government officials to seek support for the Kaiparowits power project and other resource developments in this area. The contingent left by bus and will be directed by County Commissioner Sterling Griffith and County Planning Commission Chairman James Carrico, with H. Bernell Lewis appointed chaplaia Along the way, both going east and returning, the group will visit many historic and religious sites of interest to them. Prime reason for the trip, however, is to meet with government officials in an attempt to gain favorable decisions for local industrial developments. Secretary of the Interior Thomas Kleppe is the main target of the group, because of his coming decision concerning the Kaiparowits project. Environmentalist groups are trying to get him to make decisions against the coal-fired power plant in eastern Kane County, while local officials and a majority of local and state residents favor it and hope to sway his decision in that direction. As they left Tuesday morning Kane County Commission Chairman Merrill MacDonald is bidding them goodbye, said he was very proud of the people of Kane County and the togetherness they have shown in fighting for this project and others. He said that whether "we win, lose, or draw in Washington, I feel that the bringing together of our citizens has been a very beneficial result of our actions." Commissioner Billy Terrel echoed Mr. MarDonald's sentiments and said he was also proud of our people. Hi said the environmentalists will likely object to the resurrection because it will disturb some grass and some of the earth, however, he stated, we are willing to have some of the earth disturbed a little in order to enjoy a better life. Commissioner Griffith corrected Mr. MacDonald by Washington to lose or draw, we are going to win, and we will do it." He praised the efforts and expenses of the many who have worked on this trip as well as the recent trip to the State Capitol in search of local governmental support. Commissioners Terrell and MacDonald, along with other local and state officials, will fly to Washington the first part of next week to join the bus contingent for meetings on Monday, March 15, with Secretary Kleepe. Following the meeting with Mr. Kleepe, a meeting has been set up at the White House and later in the day with Utah's congressional representatives and also a press briefing. On March 16, the flying group will leave for home and the bus contingent will also leave for their several day's trip home which will take in more historic visits and also include publicity stops along the way. Planning Commission Chairman Carrico has been the moving force behind this project, working tirelessly since the trip to Salt Lake City, and all along the way of the bus route he will be dispensing publicity favorable to the campaign. His work on this, along with the Commissioners, County Engineer John Nelson, and Planning Commission Secretary Roselyn Wilcox were highly commended for the many hours and expenses which they have put into the trip. Also, those working so hard on the trip have received much assistance from the offices of representatives in Washington and presentations of appreciation will be made to them |