Corroon offers a win-win

Salt Lake County doesn't have to choose between jobs and the environment, according to a policy paper commissioned by Mayor Peter Corroon.

He wants the county to go green without sacrificing greenbacks. Creating a clean, user-friendly environment will actually fuel the economy, Corroon said.

Known for his economic background, Corroon has focused on boosting small business in the county throughout his one-year tenure. Now, with his new environmental priorities released Tuesday, both issues can go hand-in-hand to boost the other, he said.

"You don't have to sacrifice the economy to do the right thing environmentally," Corroon said. "It's a common misconception."

Corroon's environmental vision was released Tuesday in the first of four policy papers, which will outline his priorities for 2006: environmental stewardship, alternatives to incarceration, economic and business development, and providing quality government.

Like his Salt Lake City counterpart, Corroon wants to focus on preserving open space, recycling and using alternative fuel vehicles to save energy. Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson has done some "great things" to protect the environment, he said, and Corroon said he wants to continue that tradition in Salt Lake County.

The county already has taken tremendous steps to clean up the Jordan River, install recycling programs and encourage water conservation, Corroon said. Now he wants to build upon that foundation and expand.

Key to Corroon's plan is finally cleaning up the Jordan River to create an environment where residents can enjoy nature's beauty.

"We must act as stewards of the river corridor and coordinate preservation and cleanup efforts of this wonderful natural resource," Corroon said.

Corroon said he plans to submit another request to Utah's congressional delegation seeking their help in acquiring $3.2 million in federal earmarks to assist in the cleanup. And the County Council already has approved Corroon's $300,000 request for restoration projects along the river.

"If people come here, walk out the door and see that nasty inversion, or see the garbage piled up in the Jordan River, they won't want to live or locate their company here," Corroon said. "If you do the right thing environmentally, people will want to come here."

Corroon also pledged to look for ways to encourage the use of alternative fuel sources for county buildings and the motor vehicle fleet. In addition to downsizing the fleet, Corroon has added five hybrid cars to the county fleet and will study their effectiveness throughout the year.