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Show A decision by the Department of Interior to extend, for seven years, the in-park accomodations ac-comodations at Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park, was officially approved this past week. The decision, reported earlier by the Record, did undergo some last minute refinement. Those who headed up the campaign to have the phase out of facilities operated by TWA Services, Inc., indicated that Utah's total congressional delegation worked extremely hard to assist bringing about the change. Utah Senator Frank E. Moss stated that "What pleases me most is that the Park Service did not conclude that the lodging facilities should be phased out at the end of the seven-year period they have approved. Instead, they have agreed that during this period a continuing study will be made as to whether visitors can be accommodated ac-commodated in the parks without seriously eroding the natural qualities that make them so popular." Senator Jake Garn expressed his views on the matter, but felt that still more input needs to be given to the total concept of the Park Service and the phasing out of facilities in other areas. "I believe that everyone should have that opportunity op-portunity to stay in and enjoy our national parks and will continue to work in opposition to the basic belief that facilities must be phased out." Congressman Allan Howe was disappointed that the time limit was set at seven years. Congressman Howe believed that a 10 year moritorium was more practical in order that contemplated improvements of the concessionaire con-cessionaire could be amoritized over a longer period of time. However, Howe stated, the seven year extension ex-tension of existing contracts will give us an opportunity to more realistically evaluate the situation and make rational decisions. Senator Moss suggested that the extension of seven years is assured by virtue of the decision, but that there is still "a good possibility that they will continue thereafter." "I know a great many Utahns were concerned about this point," Moss said. "While I was anxious to have the concessions extended, I felt it was equally as important that we have the right to renegotiate with the Park Service at the end of that time. I'm glad we have reached agreement on this question." National Park Service Director Gary Everhardt made the announcement of the decision following a meeting with Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton, and members of the Utah Congressional delegation. "In the public meetings, studies we conducted this year and our meeting," Everhardt said, "we were impressed by the arguments of those who felt that utilities, primarily sewer and water, are not now available and the proper planning lias not been completed which would allow for the immediate development of replacement facilities in the nearby city of Springdale.' Governor Hampton pledged the "full support of the Stale of Utah in meeting the water and sewer system needs of Springdale and other communities in their efforts to accommodate visitors to Zion." We were pleased that the Utah Congressional delegation joined the Governor "in their support of upgrading facilities both inside and outside the park," Everhardt said. "Since we share the concern that developments develop-ments around the parks as well as those inside be done on the basis of regional planning considerations con-siderations and requirements, an extension seems in order," he said. During the interim period, a continuing study will be made as to whether visitors can be ac- commodated in Zion without seriously eroding the natural qualities that make it so popular. With a coordinated regional effort "Zion National Park can continue to serve the increasing in-creasing number of visitors, while neighboring communities provide accommodations and facilities and enjoy the economic benefits," Everhardt said. The lodging complex at Zion includes 135 cabin units, most of them built during the late 1920's, that provide overnight accommodations for 376 guests. Three dormitories and some cabins house the concessioner's summertime employees, em-ployees, while there also is a bath-house and swimming pool and a lodge that includes a gift shop and food service. The bathing-swimming facilities, which have disintegrated beyond repair, will be removed immediately. The gift shop and restaurant in the lodge would continue to operate. |
