"This process is an example of democracy in action," Hendershott said. "We've incorporated public input and the recommendations of Vision Dixie. While no group has received everything it wanted, every group has acknowledged parts it likes."

Van Dam's letter argues against selling off public lands, saying it would "only encourage large developments outside of the urban core causing sprawl."

Any money raised from those sales, however, should not be used for county-funded projects such as the Lake Powell pipeline, he added.

"We are in opposition to any provision that allows proceeds from public land sales be used to fund the Lake Powell pipeline," Van Dam said. "Public input is needed in local water development projects using a Vision Dixie-style process before funds or land is granted for the Lake Powell pipeline."

But Heyrend said there is no provision in the legislation that would specifically allow funds to go toward the Lake Powell pipeline project.

"There is no connection. We disagree with their interpretation on that point," she said. "This bill follows the Vision Dixie principles, and we feel really good about the way it has played out. There are a lot of groups that support this bill that didn't support it last time."

Hendershott said the 2008 bill received a "wide range of support, underscoring the need to act now."

Hearings on the bill were held in April before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, although no vote is scheduled for the bill at this time.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com