From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

March 22, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Draft Washington County Lands Bill Rolled Out
Matheson seeks stakeholder involvement

Salt Lake City, UT-Congressman Jim Matheson today joined Sen. Bob Bennett in unveiling a draft proposal to address the rapid growth in Washington County through comprehensive land management and responsible conservation initiatives. The draft bill follows more than a year and a half of discussions among local citizens and government entities.

"This gives us a chance to bring the public at large into the process.  I see this draft as a way to re-engage stakeholders in a broad discussion of these issues," said Matheson.

Matheson said the draft proposal is based on data offered and gathered by the working group.  He said this working model expands the range of issues beyond traditional discussions involving simply wilderness areas.  He said the proposal, among other things, codifies the Red Cliffs Preserve as well as provides habitat protection for sensitive species such as the dwarf bear claw poppy.  Matheson said the draft proposes to preserve critical utility, transportation and water corridors-all vitally important for future economic expansion.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)