He pointed out the plan includes strategic short-term steps and a five-year plan to keep the momentum going.

"The key next step will be to develop a steering committee and hold workshops for the public to participate in," he added.

A countywide group already is examining ideas for adding affordable housing to the local market, although the high cost of land is often cited as a major roadblock.

Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, plan to introduce federal legislation in Congress later this year that would create a comprehensive land-use plan for Washington County.

The proposed legislation would allow for the sale of about 25,000 acres of public lands to pay for conservation and utility easements. It also sets aside other lands for protection of wilderness and sensitive species.

Environmentalists say the bill was drafted without adequate public input and needs revision.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com