2 federal heritage areas new in Utah

WASHINGTON — Utah has two new federal heritage areas, after President Bush signed a law designating several areas throughout the country.

The designation of the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area and the Great Basin National Heritage Route will protect cultural resources and possibly increase tourism.

The Utah Heritage Highway 89 Alliance will manage the 250-mile National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area, according to the office of Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah. The House passed the bill in July, while the Senate had passed the bill more than a year ago.

"I'm extremely pleased that after years of moving this bill through the legislative process, President Bush has signed the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area into law," Bennett said in a statement after the president's action late Thursday. "This is a fitting tribute to Utah's pioneers and one that will help promote economic development and preserve our unique heritage for future generations."

The National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area runs along U.S. 89 from Fairview south through Kane, Garfield, Piute, Sevier, Wayne and Sanpete Counties to the Arizona border, and contains "examples of the rich cultural and architectural history shaped by the Mormon pioneers," according to Bennett's office.

The alliance will have to develop a management plan for the land, to be approved by the Interior Department. The new law allowed the government to spend $10 million in grants over the next 30 years on each heritage area, but the federal contribution is expected to pay for only half the projected costs.

The Great Basin National Heritage Route runs between Delta, Millard County and Ely, Nev. It was mainly pushed by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., but Utah's senators cosponsored the bill.

---

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com