Lincoln Shurtz, a legislative analyst with the Utah League of Cites and Towns, said Washington city has requested the league's support in amending the bill next year.

"We weren't aware of this dispute between Washington city and St. George until it was too late," said Shurtz, pointing out that the league formally supported HB362 when it was introduced. "We've since told them we would be happy to assist them by getting them both together to help find some middle ground. Sometimes it takes a third party to do that."

Observers from both cities say the issue is more likely to wind up in court.

"We are weighing our options and will do what is best for southern Utah and for our airport," said Guzman.

In that same vein, Clove and Carter said Washington city is also evaluating its options in "challenging the legislation and having it overturned."

---

E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com