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Show Matheson Offers Hope For Kaiparowits Revival Arriving at Panguitch airport Friday, Governor Scott I Matheson and wife. Norma, are greeted by Garfield County Commissioner George Middleton. Middleton was , accompanied by a delegation. Resurrecting local hopes for development of the Kaiparowits area resources, Governor Scott Matheson, in his Garfield County visit, revealed that the U.S. Deparmtent of Interior had committed to Utah $300,000 to determine the best methods of mining and transporting coal from that site. Meeting at the Panguitch courthouse Friday with Garfield civic leaders, the governor set an "air of informality" by inviting participants to "discuss every issue and concern you have" to "see if we have an understanding." Following a welcome by Wallace G. Lee, Panguitch mayor, Matheson introduced staff members who had accompanied him from the capitol. Newly selected administrative assistant to Matheson, Courtney Larsen was introduced as "the man" to contact when local leaders have concerns in the areas of community and economic development. Matheson also mentioned Dave Conine, representing the State Planning Office and Jim Butler attending as representative from the State Energy Office. The governor spoke briefly about his attempts to visit every county in the state and as many communities within each county as time permitted him, also stating as his main concern "to address problems and bring about their resolution." Taking the lead in introducing problems to the visiting governor, Mayor Lee stated that Panguitch had conducted extensive surveys to determine areas of concern of residents and that high on the list of priorities was the consistent problem of excessive unemployment. Mayor Lee expressed a desire to attract some type of small industry to the area and asked what the governor could do to help. Gov. Matheson stated, "Economic opportunity and ability to earn a 'Hvelihood is what its all about." He emphasized that in the past Utah had made a huge effort to attract industry to the state and those eventually heeding the call had primarily settled in the Wasatch Front area, which is now relatively self-sustaining without needing further economic development. Gov. Matheson then indicated that emphasis must now focus on "providing opportunity and attracting industry to this rural portion of the state." He then stated he would make arrangements for Peter Cook, another member of his staff, to travel to Panguitch at a future date, to meet with local officials to more specifically determine the problems and approaches to solving them. Laurie Dea Holley, Cannonville mayor, asked the governor to expand the proposed future meeting to include all communities within Garfield County. Jim Thomas, representing Tropic Town board, pointed up the need in the county for more adequate fire and ambulance coverage and inquired of the governor how surplus vehicles could be obtained. The governor stated that several possibilities exist for securing vehicles through federal and state surplus. He offered to contact Bob Draper who would be familiar with proper procedures. John Williams, of the Five County Association of Governments, representing Garfield County's interests, stated that the number one problem which concerns all of the county is the developing of mineral resources. Pointing out that with recent wilderness proposals, Garfield County stands a good chance of having its mineral resources locked up forever, Williams suggested that the governor send an individual experienced in fighting and lobbying for this cause to assist local individuals and organizations in their efforts to oppose the further encroachment of government on local lands. Gov. Matheson stated that he felt the best approach to take in attempting to have these areas of mineral potential released from proposed wilderness restrictions, is to put together the proper package. Garfield County should identify all parcels of land with potential mineral development and accompany this completed package with a congressional delegation to Congress. The delegation, two senators and two representatives, should make a strong show of unity with a specific request to turn lands back to multiuse designations. Gov. Matheson added that with personal roots in both agriculture and mining, he is very familiar with the plight of both resources in this area. He stressed that individual coal developers in the area could have more impact, if they would unite their efforts. At this point, John Williams brought to the governor's attention the newly formed Garfield County Impact Team, pointing out the team's efforts to enhance industrial and economic development throughout the county. County commissioner George Middleton presented the governor with a letter of resolution identifying the newly formed organization and its outlined purpose and goals. Roy May, Ticaboo developer and member of the new impact team, brought the governor and staff members up to date on progress at Ticaboo and cited the high expectations he has for the new impact team. |