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Show .4 Chubs halting power projects "We must take steps immediately to see that the Woundfin Minnow does not become Utah's Snail Darter," Dar-ter," Congressman Dan Marriott testified this week. A U.S Supreme Court decision this week brought an abrupt halt to a multi-million multi-million dollar Tennessee Valley Authority power project because it interfered with the habitat of a 3-inch fish called the Snail Darter. Marriott said he wants to avoid that with the Wound-fin. Wound-fin. "The situation is similar in Southern Utah with the Woundfin Minnow," warned Marriott, "where the Allen-Warner Allen-Warner Valley Power Project and Laverkin Spring's Salinity Control Unit on the Virgin River are being threatened by the presence the Woundfin. If the Woundfin's habitat is declared critical by the Fish and Wildlife agency, all work on those two projects would come to a halt; and with them, a large part of Southern Utah's future growth potential." "Even The experts disagree with what is or is not an endangered species," Marriott told the committee, adding, "My files are full of exchanges between U.S. Fish and Wildlife, private consultants, conservation groups and representatives of the State of Utah disagreeing over the 'critical habitat' question. I am here to urge that a balance be obtained." He also said experts have pointed out that the Virgin River is not the only place the Woundfin exists. "There are strong indications that in fact the critical habitat will improve if (these projects are) allowed to take place. |