From Deseret News archives:
Grow smart, Utah
State demographers say Utah's population is closer to 2.7 million, which is an important distinction considering the last dispute over Census figures many officials say cost the state a congressional seat. Census officials say detailed, county-by-county estimates will be available in March.
Whatever the case, we may safely assume the Beehive State is experiencing a rapid population increase. It will present many challenges, but it is a far better condition than a mass decline in population. Louisiana's population dropped by more than 250,000 after Hurricane Katrina. In the past year, that state experienced only a slight increase, 1.2 percent. It's an improvement but hardly a rebound.
But it also requires government agencies to plan ahead for a larger public school population. County and city planning processes need to encourage a wide variety of housing options and infrastructure needs. The same goes for state officials. As Utah grows, there will be new opportunities to employ the smart-growth strategies of Envision Utah, which include promoting air quality, preserving critical lands, encouraging water conservation and creating transportation options, among others.
Pick any fast-growing city in the West and there are likely state and local leaders who would give anything for a do-over on the sprawl and insufficient infrastructure they live with today. Utah doesn't have to be in the same boat. It should employ sound planning measures to enhance all Utahns' quality of life and to ensure it is not saddled with similar regrets.
Recent comments
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My I add | Jan. 2, 2008 at 5:52 p.m.
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Anonymous | Jan. 2, 2008 at 3:28 p.m.
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Junk Envision Utah | Jan. 2, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.
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