Perhaps the biggest concern we have at the present is the use of water. The drought that we are experienced has reinforced the necessity for conserving water both through outdoor and indoor usage. We live in a desert state and water is a scarce resource. There needs to be a continuing water policy discussion of how our limited water resource can best be shared and distributed whether for crops, industry, lawns or families.

As one of the fastest growing areas in the country, the Wasatch front needs to carefully study the challenges it faces with growth. Weber County now has approximately 180,000 residents. Projections show that in 2020 there will be 275,000. With this growth comes concerns about planning for water, transportation, land use, infrastructure, funding, etc. Envision Utah has done an excellent job with getting grassroots input, designing plans, and providing communities with information as they develop plans for growth.

The Quality Growth Act of 1999 established a commission and reestablished the LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund. The bill provided a possibility of $8 million to help preserve open space and to help local communities deal with growth. In the 2000 session, there was some movement to remove money from this fund, but the amendment was defeated and the fund stayed intact. The following sessions were a different story with only $1 million being appropriated. Many huge tracts of land could be saved from development if the owners had some support from the fund.

With the reconstruction of I-15 in Salt Lake County completed, roads and transportation for other parts of the state have been started and are being reviewed. Weber County should not be forgotten when the need for road improvement or alternate forms of transportation are discussed. Commuter rail from Brigham City to Payson has been purchased and the environmental impact studies are completed. The first part of the commuter rail from Ogden to Salt lake will be complete in late 2007. The Legacy Highway will be in place in late 2008.

There must be some careful planning as land is being developed both to insure green space and to protect water concerns. Also the land must be compatible to development and not endanger the environmental integrity of the area. Wetlands should be a real concern as they provide not only recreational opportunities for many, but they help keep our ecosystem strong.

As growth takes place, we must keep the infrastructure of the communities in good condition to serve the needs of the people. Continual maintenance of the buildings, roads, pipelines, etc. will enhance the quality of life we have in our area.

Most of the funding for the local growth is part of the community’s budget, but the state legislature should continue to be aware of the problems of growth facing our communities and give whatever assistance may be appropriate.