Gov. Olene Walker today unveiled an aggressive plan to improve water quality throughout the state by introducing her Watershed Initiative which falls under the Walker Work Plan. The program is comprehensive and is designed to improve both water quality and quantity over the coming years. To initiate the program, the governor will focus on segments of 25 key streams and reservoirs.

"This project can affect every Utahn in a positive way," said Walker. "In order to improve Utah, today and tomorrow, we need to ensure our future prosperity have a clean and sustainable supply of water."

A watershed is an area of land from which all water drains to the same location such as a stream, pond, lake, river or wetland. Watersheds are dynamic natural systems that not only provide water, forage and habitat for wildlife and livestock, they help clean our air and offer places to recreate and find solitude. They also contain timber, energy and mineral resources, and are the headwaters of our food supply.

"It is my goal to provide for cleaner rivers and lakes, to enhance water yield, and to increase public awareness and wise use of Utah's watersheds." Walker noted.

The initiative will also offer educational materials and a website (www.adoptawaterbody.utah.gov/) so schools, businesses and individuals can find their local watershed and possibly join an already existing program or start their own. By the winter of 2004, the governor will assemble her Cabinet for a watershed progress report.

Over the next year, Walker will:

• Publicize the Governor’s Watershed Initiative web page that contains comprehensive information on programs and shows how to adopt-a-waterbody.
• Lead an effort to double the number of organizations, school classes and families participating in the existing "Adopt-a-Water Body" program.
• Encourage fourth grade teachers to select and teach a watershed lesson plan and activity. Lists of suggested plans and activities would be located on the governor’s website.
• Use the existing Take Pride in Utah Program to promote cleanup and conservation volunteer projects throughout the state.
• Partner with similar ongoing campaigns around the state, such as "We All Live Downstream".
• Support a 2004 fourth grade, water poster contest theme of "Water in Use".
• Recognize groups which have adopted water bodies and claim victory for cleaner and healthier watersheds.
• Encourage fourth grade students to answer five key questions about watersheds:

1. What is a watershed?
2. Where is my watershed?
3. How healthy is my watershed?
4. Where does the water go?
5. What can I do?

5:51:09 PM    

Weber County - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will hold a public hearing to discuss proposed improvements to Interstate 15 between 31st Street in Ogden and 2700 North in Farr West. The hearing will be held on Dec. 2, 2003 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Browning Room of the Ogden Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave.

Proposals include reconstruction, widening and interchange improvements along approximately 9.3 miles of I-15 through the cities of Ogden, West Haven, Marriott-Slaterville, Farr West and unincorporated portions of Weber County. The study area includes mainline I-15, five full interchanges, one half interchange and connecting east-west arterial roads within the interchange areas.

UDOT has prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed project; the document will be available for public review at the hearing. Those unable to attend the meeting may review the document at the following locations:

• Federal Highway Administration, 2520 W. 4700 S., Suite 9A, Salt Lake City
• UDOT Region One, 166 W. Southwell Street, Ogden
• UDOT Communications Office, 4501 S. 2700 W., Salt Lake City
• Michael Baker Jr., Inc., 6955 Union Park Center, Suite 370, Midvale
• Farr West City Offices, 2090 N. 2000 W., Farr West
• Harrisville City Offices, 363 W. Independence Boulevard, Harrisville
• Marriott-Slaterville City Offices, 1140 W. 400 N., Bldg 15C, Marriott-Slaterville
• Ogden Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Boulevard, Suite 210, Ogden City
• Pleasant View City Offices, 520 W. Elberta Drive, Pleasant View
• Riverdale City Offices, 4600 S. Weber River Drive, Riverdale
• West Haven City Offices, 2440 S. 2050 W., West Haven
• Weber County Library, 2464 Jefferson Avenue, Ogden

All comments must be received by Dec. 29, 2003. Written comments may be mailed to: Michael Baker Jr. Inc., c/o Kevin Farley, 6955 Union Park Center, Suite 370, Midvale, Utah 84047.

10:41:17 AM