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Show J Smell A Rat, Do You? This letter is regarding Kane County's request for Federal improvements of a 1 7-mile segment seg-ment in the middle of Hole in the Rock Road. Funding is contingent con-tingent upon the road status changing from county control (RS 2477) to Federal control (Title 5). It's a precedent case of the Feds taking County roads. If they succeed in Kane County, Garfield County will be next. Hole in the Rock, and 90 percent per-cent of all southern Utah county roads, are "RS 2477". It gives the counties an easement across Federal lands, control of the road and legal responsibility for maintenance. This status is automatically granted to roads in existence before 1976 and is permanent the government cannot force counties to terminate termi-nate or change it. BLM has decided this is a "Title 5" road instead. These roads designated AFTER 1976, with the Federal government in full control, including options of charging fees, limiting use or completely closing them. The issue has been forced to the BLM in Washington, D.C. for their determination. If Washington declares the road as a Title 5, it will be up to Garfield and Kane Counties to sue for their legal rights. The citizens have made it clear they don't want control going to the Feds, and the Utah Association of Counties has asked all counties to hold onto their rights by not changing to the Title 5. Kane County has responded by saying they will not change even though it's allegedly required for this improvement project. Garfield County has totally rejected the Federal proposal. So, why is Kane County moving ahead with the BLM, blatantly spending taxpayers' dollars on public scoping meetings meet-ings and an Environmental (See LETTERS on page 5A) , Letters To The Editor From Page 2A Assessment? Perhaps they know something we don't . . . like Washington is going to make a determination of a Title ' 5. This would allow the BLM to take control and to work under Title 5 guidelines during those years of possible litigation by the Counties. As usual, they're asking us to work with them, but I smell a rat. We can't trust what they say, that changes from day to day. Past experience has proven this to be true as well. It's time, once again, to stand up and fight for some control over our local area, our destinies and our children's chil-dren's heritage. I urge you to get involved by contacting your County Commissioners, U.S. Representatives and Senators and tell them you won't let the BLM steal our local roads. Also, contact and join the group already together and working on this issue: Canyon Country Rural Alliance, 435-644-5672 or 435-644-5064. Toni Thayer Escalante |