| OCR Text |
Show (Public Lands Trade-Off Subject Of Impact Team Meet in Tropic , TROPIC The possibility of a "tradeoff" of certain southeastern public lands to environmentalists in exchange for development of public lands where MX and syn-fuels are planned in more northern parts of Utah ' was discussed at the meeting of the Garfield Impact Team at Tropic Thursday. Invited guests and members of the team, Norm Hall, State Industrial Development, Salt Lake City; Vaughn McDonald, Five County Association of Governments, St. George; and Glen Tingey, Farmers Home Administration, Panguitch, along with Impact Team secretary, Nancy Bales, met with Tropic mayor Mondell Syrett, board members Reed LeFevre and Katie Thomas, and Bruce Fullmer, Panguitch Cfty manager. Tropic board member Katie Thomas asked if there was any truth to the persistent "rumor" she had been hearing about the so-called trade-off, adding that every move made in recent years relative to potential industrial development in the southeastern area seemed doomed to failure, with environmentalists continually gaining ground. One Impact Team member commented, "It's more than a rumor, but I can't talk about it." He continued that about all people in the area could do was to attend every hearing where environmental concerns are an issue and make every effort to be as vocal as possible about what is happening. Team members pledged support for area efforts to tap vital oil and coal resources. It was noted that three assistant secretaries of the Department of Interior would be coming to Bryce Canyon and the Alton coal field area on July 7 and 8 to assess the area currently being petitioned by environmentalists. Potential development of the Burr Trail road from Escalane to Ticaboo was also a matter of discussion with some disappointment. A grant proposal to develop the road had been denied at a Federal level. It was agreed that to reinforce three vital culverts at important points along the unimproved road would cost approximately $120,000 and that at least this amount should be sought from other sources. Vaughn McDonald will meet with Garfield County commissioners July 11 about the matter. It was suggested that success in seeking funds might be obtained by making the road a part of the Ticaboo Special Services District. The minimum at this time it was agreed would be to reinforce the three culverts, making it easier to keep the road passable during wet weather. The need for revising Garfield County's master plan was discussed with the possibility of a FmHA Title III grant scheduled for investigation. Tropic town board members heard a report about potential assistance in their problem of a much needed complete survey of the entire town. Difficulties have arisen over the years over early plats of the town which are in conflict and have caused problems with property descriptions and obtaining of title insurance. The possibility of using student surveyors under the supervision of qualified experts is being investigated. The project would contitute on-the-job training and meet all necessary specifications for quality work. Costs of a contracted town survey using licensed surveying companies was estimated at over $50,000 several years ago and town board members indicate that that amount would have been seriously affected by inflation by now. Townspeople might be asked to cooperate with temporary housing for the surveying group. The proposed project is still in the embryo stage. Town officials asked Glen Tingey, FmHA to check into the possibility of available grants on a small scale to assist with the project, the costs of which are expected to be minimal. The Impact Team is also assisting with the legal aspects of such a survey, checking into any possible problems of the unique plan. Norm Hall, DECD, explained that the emphasis from his state office is definitely on business development in the rural areas. This was the second trip Hall had made to Garfield County this year. He emphasized that for industry to be successful in rural areas, the day's production must be able to be shipped in a shoe-box, in other words, very small high value items must be produced, being lightweight and easy to ship. The use, if possible, of area natural resources is also important, since shipping is such a critical factor. Many industries in urban areas do want to move to more rural settings, but a number of very important factors enter into their decisions their efforts to unlock their coal deposits. They would like to see the reopening of the Shakespear Mine located outside Tropic and indicate their willingness to work with owners and developers of the mine. Panguitch City Manager Fullmer reminded Impact Team members of their commitment to bring representatives of various industries to Garfield County to introduce them to the county's potential. Next meeting for the Impact Team is set for July 31. on wnere 10 locate. Shipping availability, comparatively low wages, availability of needed resources, tax structure, utilities, desirability of the area for relocating employees, availability of local work force on a year round basis, and others. Cities should also be willing to woo the industries with suitable areas, an accepting citizenry, and a tax structure that is not prohibitive. Three possible industries were suggested by Hall: manfuacture of small boats, manufacture of hearing aids, and manufacture of leather handbags. Such industries use a relatively small work force. The desirability of even smaller industries was mentioned by Fullmer who pointed out that one very successful machine shop in Panguitch hires only three men. It was especially emphasized that industry must hire men rather than women and that a work force could come not only from men already living in the county, but from those who are eager to move back from urban areas to raise their children in a rural setting. The Impact Team pledged support for Garfield communities in |
