[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 39 (Thursday, April 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 3848, WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH RECREATIONAL AND VISITOR FACILITIES

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                               speech of

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. MATHESON.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my voice in support of this 
important legislation.
  Washington County, Utah is one of the fastest growing counties not 
only in Utah, but in the United States. Within the last ten years the 
population of Washington County has grown by more than 80 percent. The 
City of St. George is fast becoming one of America's premier retirement 
and vacation gateway communities in the country.
  With this growth come two very basic needs. First, all cities, 
regardless of size, geography, lay out, structure, or economy, need 
water. Nowhere is this need felt more than in the red rock desert of 
southwestern Utah.
  Secondly, vibrant cities need a place for people to recreate. They 
need areas where families can gather, where picnics can be held, where 
activities can be organized, and communities can come together.
  This legislation will help to do both. The bill authorizes $2.5 
million for the construction and maintenance of the Sand Hallow 
Recreational Area. This will help provide the needed resources to allow 
for the continued water and recreational resources of Washington 
County.
  As a child, I spent many days in the area around Sand Hollow. It is a 
magnificent area, and a place that will only be enhanced by this 
authorization.

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