Utah issues under control, Bennett assures

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, gave home state lawmakers no need to worry as he calmed qualms regarding migrant workers, military bases and hazardous waste, at least temporarily.

Bennett made an appearance at the Legislature Friday to update local leaders on national decisions involving Utah issues.

He consoled legislators on their "crowded digs," a temporary problem related to extensive renovation at the Capitol. He said he could relate to the condition as the U.S. Capitol also is undergoing renovations, with the addition of a 580,000-square-foot 580,000 sq. ft. underground visitors visitor center.

He assured legislators that amid the dust, the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., is "optimistic" and one of "accomplishing things."

"The gridlock that sometimes happens on issues has dissipated, at least for the moment," he said.

Bennett said federal leaders are grappling with immigration issues but said he supports President Bush's policy. He said allowing immigrants to work in the country but not necessarily to gain citizenship or amnesty by doing so has worked in the past.

"We're not prepared or equipped to deal with this," said Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights. "We need help with the policy."

Bennett assured members of the Senate that Hill Air Force Base was not currently under fire. He said he was confident that international bases would be targeted for closure first.

"We're seeing little signs that at the upper reaches of the government, Hill is being recognized," he said. "I've taken as my assignment to simply tell the story of Hill."

Sen. Al Mansell, R-Draper, raised another local issue with the current status of proposals that Utah's Goshute Indian Reservation be used as a site for the storage of hazardous materials.

Bennett said federal approval of the site was not unexpected. "It was not a welcome event, and it's not the final event, by any means," he said, adding the assumption that the decision will meet further delay in the appeals process.

"If the material is safe to transport and store above ground in Utah, then it is safe to stay where it is," Bennett said regarding the temporary storage site proposal.

The senator was commended for his efforts on behalf of loyalty to flood victims in St. George. He said he had been trying to find federal funding for the rehabilitation process.

"I've identified (sources) of money and, unfortunately, only about $6 million of those are legitimate sources," he said. "But we qualify for an additional $60 million." Bennett said he'd try his best to guarantee as much as possible for Washington County's flooding victims.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com