From Deseret News archives:
Smart growth the best Rx for growing pains
Why in landlocked Utah should we care about such a phenomenon? The reason is, we share some of the same conditions that contribute to this spate of alligator attacks rapid development wiping out wildlife habitat. The result? An increasing number of interactions between wild critters and humans, some of them extremely unpleasant.
Many of us along the Wasatch Front have our flowers and gardens ravaged by hungry deer or rabbits. Some have even been involved in car crashes involving wildlife. Once in a while, we'll hear reports of a cow moose charging a human she perceived was a threat to her calf, or reports of a bear attacking a human in the wilds of Utah.
Alligator attacks are the stuff of banner headlines, but larger questions loom: What will be the ultimate price of rapid development in Utah? Can our infrastructure and taxing mechanisms keep pace?
These issues affect our quality of life. They also affect our pocketbooks. Will the tax revenue generated by growth be sufficient to tackle the upcoming population boom? Will there be a continued will on the part of taxpayers to fund government functions for services and projects that are not of direct benefit to them?
These are legitimate questions as various government agencies wrestle with huge financial issues. For the first time ever, the Utah Department of Transportation is considering toll roads as part a multisource funding package for the state's highway system. The Utah Transit Authority seeks to borrow $875 million over 30 years to add four new lines to the TRAX light-rail system in Salt Lake County. Some school districts that are experiencing rapid growth are contemplating bond issues to build new schools and renovate existing ones.
Comments
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling 1:19 a.m.
- Brems outlasts 2nd round of votes 1:04 a.m.
- 2 families divided over slaying 1:04 a.m.
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper 1:03 a.m.
- Nature's Way leaving Utah County 1:03 a.m.
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Max Hall issues apology
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
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