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Show Matheson Will Gel First Hand Look at Bryce Scenic Point BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Governor Scott Matheson will visit Yovimpa Point Friday afternoon to view for himself the controversial viewpoint's majestic panorama. Ever since the possibility of mining coal within the scope of its vista arose, the view from Yovimpa, one of Bryce Canyon National Park's most spectacular, became the center of arguments pro and con. Now that Reagan adminsitration appointed Secretary of the Interior James Watt has petitioned for a review of the former Interior Secretary's decision strictly limiting coal mining near the park, renewed interest has been generated. Utah's lawsuit against the restrictive decision was filed in February along with a similar lawsuit y Utah International, Inc. would-bt miners of the coal. Watt's motion comes as a response to those lawsuits and if his request is granted, Utah, if Matheson has anything to say about it, will then have an opportunity to properly influence any new decision influence he feels was not permitted with the first decision. While the Governor's visit is expected to be brief, it is anticipated that it will help him to more clearly assess the State's position on the issue. The Governor will fly into Bryce Canyon Airport following groundbreaking ceremonies for the $10 million Recapture Canyon Dam and Highway project near Blanding. The project, sponsored by the San Juan water Conservancy District, includes the construction of a 9,000 acre-foot capacity reservoir and rerouting a portion of State Highway 163 across the top of the dam. Construction funds for the project will come from the state's Water Conservation and Development Program, local mill levies, and nearly $4 million from the Utah Department of Transporation to reroute the highway. The Board of Water Resources has asked that its $6 million authorization from the Water Conservation and Development Program be returned to the state over a 40-year period at three per cent interest. The dam and reservoir project is expected to provide about 3,500 acre-feet of water annually to 1,300 acres of farmland and for municipal and industrial uses of the water-short City of Blanding. water for the project will come from Recapture Creek, Johnson Creek and Indian Creek. A recent bond election in Blanding passed showing 96 per cent of voters in favor of the project. Officials of the San Juan Water Conservancy District indicate the new dam and reservoir will help irrigators to use water more efficiently and store water currently during spring runoffs. The project also will provide fishing and boating for Blanding area residents and visitors. |