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This past Summer St.George and it's surrounding metro seemed to hit the front pages daily. From So. Cal to Boston, it was among the new, "IT" Girl's on the block. Whether as a place for Angeleno's and American's in general to retire, Las Vegans to get-away, or just a great place to start a career and build a family. St. George even supplanted Vegas as fastest growing. Of course, this has led to many development challenges for this beautiful oasis.

The streets of Her southern metro are lined with Palms,and red-rock splendor while her northern metro is surrounded by breathtaking mountains,forrests,and giant mesa's. In the morning, you might choose to play a round of Golf with the like's of Zion National Park as your back drop, or maybe take in a few downhill runs at BrianHead ski resort. After, "a few hours at the office", then off to pick up your honey for a night on the Vegas Strip. (No Doze not included)

Residentially, St.George is taking a much needed, but brief breather right now. However, her makeover as Utah's next major metro will continue unabated.

Ultra Luxury Spa Resort in Utah: Amangiri of Aman Resorts
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"Ritzy resort to open in Lake Powell area:"

Luxury spa operator Amanresorts will run a $200 million resort near Lake Powell for wealthy world travelers.

The 100,000-square-foot spa, offering $1,200-a-night rooms and villas for up to $6million, is scheduled to open by mid-2008

Amanresorts, a hotel-management group based in Singapore, oversees posh playgrounds around the globe, from France to French Polynesia. Its only other U.S. resort is in Wyoming's Jackson Hole.

The Kane County resort will be a quick drive from Glen Canyon Dam, Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Guests will be able to ski Lake Powell, hike the Vermilion Cliffs and fish in the Colorado River.

"When you take into account who will manage (it), combined with the idyllic setting in canyon country, it might be the No. 1 resort in the United States and one of the top 10 in the world" said Homi Vazisdar, managing director of project developer Canyonland Development LLC.

Gov. Jon Huntsman has said the resort will bolster Utah's international appeal among jet-setters.

The southern Utah resort will have a 34-room hotel, 28 private villas and a mammoth spa.

Kanab resident Jim Matson, who is overseeing Salt Lake-based Okland Construction, said crews are laying sewer and water lines. Underground propane tanks will supply gas, and a microwave tower will go up on a butte for telecommunications.

Matson said the project is expected to increase Kane County's assessed valuation by 20 percent and employ at least 110 workers to take care of guests.

"They will probalbly do everything for you but brush your teeth," amatson said.

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[COtoOC]

St. George is really considered a "metro"??? I stopped there last year when I moved from California to Denver and it felt like a big town, but not really a city or metro area. Seemed fairly isolated as well. It seemed like a good place for a resort spa though, considering the very un-Utah-like climate and palm trees.

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Inc. Magazine's "2006 Hottest Cities" list, St. Gerorge ranks as No.2 among 393 U.S. cities for the best place to do business. The magazine's rankings, in the hottest cities issue, are based on recent and long-term employment growth rates. St. George posted a one year job growth rate of 7.9 percent and a five-year job growth rate of 38.2 percent giving it an index score of 98.8 out of a possible 100, the magazine said.

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:koko: St. George is really considered a "metro"??? I stopped there last year when I moved from California to Denver and it felt like a big town, but not really a city or metro area. Seemed fairly isolated as well. It seemed like a good place for a resort spa though, considering the very un-Utah-like climate and palm trees.
I guess the county of Washington where it resides is filling up with development pretty quickly. Also many town's along the fifty mile corridor between St. George and Cedar City are growing at an equal rate.

As far as isolated? Well, name a town in the west that isn't surrounded by vast areas of open range.:jester: Remember though, St. George is feeding big time off it's uber-growth neighbor, "Las Vegas", which is a very relaxed and quick commute away.

[COtoOC]

:koko:
I guess the county of Washington where it resides is filling up with development pretty quickly. Also many town's along the fifty mile corridor between St. George and Cedar City are growing at an equal rate.

As far as isolated? Well, name a town in the west that isn't surrounded by vast areas of open range.:jester: Remember though, St. George is feeding big time off it's uber-growth neighbor, "Las Vegas", which is a very relaxed and quick commute away.

Yeah, it definitely seemed more connected to Vegas than SLC - and not a bad drive either. Since I had a cat and dog in the car (and it was over 100 degrees) I couldn't spend time looking around the city.

[leebuddy]

St. george huh?.....that area is growing fast for what i am told. i have a younger brother who lives down there and he tells me that it gets busy down there like the roads. i'll e-mail him to see if there's any new projects going on down there.
but here's what i know....

St george will be getting a NEW Airprot.....

St george will be getting a new freeway (a I-215 kind of freeway) that will go around the city and new aiport.

I wounder how soon it will be befor the city starts to get some highrises?

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Hurricane hails its 100th but braces for growth

By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News

HURRICANE, Washington County- This year as Hurricane City celebrate's it 100th birthday, local officials are struggling to keep up with a whirlwind of growth-related problems.

"About six months ago, we sat down and went through all the residential units that have been before the planning commision in some form or another, and there were 40,000 lots,"said Mac Hall, Hurricane's public works director. "Some of those are in the county, yes, but they still impact the city in a big way."

Hurricane's population surged 12.2 percent from 9,793 in July 2004 to nearly 11,000 residents a year later. The city more than doubled in size from 1990 to 2000, according to data from the Utah Department of Economic Development. The state's population forecast chart shows Hurricane building out to at least 54,000 residents, making it the third largest city in the county behind St. George and Washington.

"About 600 homes were built in Hurricane last year and I think we'll have over 400 this year," said Hall. "Things are slowing down a little bit and giving us a chance to catch up. " The city Council just increased property taxes by 36 percent, and raw land is selling for a bundle, he said.

"I know of a five-acre parcel that sold for $100,000 an acre," said Hall. "I don't think you can get a building lot for less than $150,000."

Hall is plagued with worries over how the city is going to provide transportation and other infrastructure to all those newcomers that outsiders project will soon move to Hurricane.

"Just planning and trying to make the utilities and transportation available for what people are asking for is a real struggle," Hall said. U-9, a main east-west roadway through Hurricane and on to Zion National Park, is already crowded.

"I don't know how (U-9) is going to be able to handle what we're going to throw at it," he added. "Transprortation is the biggest nut to crack, but providing enough water and power is a big one, too."

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Associated Press

ST. GEORGE - County commissioners endorsed a proposed land deal that would nearly double the size of this fast-growing city by auctioning nearly 38 square miles of federal land to private developers.

Commissioners signed a resolution Tuesday, supporting the Washington County Growth and consevation Act of 2006, a bill sponsored by Sen. Bob Bennett R-Utah, and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah.

"We consider it an extremely important piece of legislation... for out future," said Jim Eardley, chairman of the Washington Copunty commission.

The bill offers wilderness protection for 343 square miles, although half of that already is protected inside Zion National Park and Many other areas already are managed by federal agencies as potential wilderness.

The bill also would expand a preserve for the threatened desert tortoise.

Conservation groups have denounced the plan and vowed to hold it up in Congress, saying it ignores most lands worthy of wilderness protection in the county. The government owns 87 percent of Washington County land.

The commission's endorsement came after a consultant, Randy Johnson, said the land deals would start with 4,300 acres already identified by the U.S. bureau of Land Management as suitable for sale.

Johnson said the bill authorizes - but doesn't require - the BLM to sell of 24,300 acres, The Spectrum of St. George reported.

But copy of the bill on Bennett's Web site says the Interior Secretary "must" sell the first 4,300 acres by 2013. it says the secretary could sell the other 20,000 unidentified acres starting in 2010.

The bill directs 85 percent of the money to the federal government for local conservation projects and a High Desert Off-Highway Vehicle Trail, according to Bennett's office.

The remaining 15 percent would go to the state, county and county water district.

The bill creates a corridor for a 120-mile water pipeline from Lake Powell as well as land for reservoirs, storage tanks, pump sites and flood-control projects.

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17.2M first installment will buy land for the new facility

By Mark Havnes
The Salt Lake Tribune

ST. GEORGE - Plans for a new airport for this southwestern Utah community soared higher recently when the project received a $17.2-million federal grant.
Delivering the cash was Marion Blakey. The Federal Aviation Administration administrator praised the dignitaries, gathered for a ceremony at the current St. George Municipal Airport, for their perseverance.
"There's one word on everyone's lips, and that is 'finally,' " Blakey said to applause from the attendees, many of whom have worked on the project since it was first proposed more than 10 years ago.
The money is the first installment of federal dollars and will be used to acquire 227 of the 1,300 acres necessary to build the $182 million facility five miles southeast of downtown.
"Big plans require big money," said Blakey. "This is about economic development and connections necessary for communities to thrive. You deserve what others have enjoyed for decades."
The new airport is scheduled to be completed by 2011, but St. George Mayor Daniel McArthur told the 200 people at the ceremony that he hopes to see a SkyWest jet lift off from the new airport in four years.
In an interview after her remarks, Blakey said it is rare to build an airport from scratch. She cited the Denver airport as the last one she could recall in the past 10 years.
She said the federal government will contribute money according to a plan that requires matching dollars from the city.
The financial split has not been worked out yet, but Blakey said federal money could pay for at least half the cost.
McArthur, said a financial plan is being drawn up, and a design team to plan the airport will be assembled.
He said the city's share of money will come from airline fees, federal grants and sale of the 288 acres the current airport occupies on a volcanic bluff overlooking the city of 160,000 residents.
He expects about $30 million from sale of the land, and he promised: "We will not raise taxes to build the airport."
SkyWest CEO Jerry Atkin said the new airport will provide much-needed facilities for his St. George-based airline.
He predicted that being able to land the airline's larger jets will increase passenger traffic, which currently tops 32 million passengers a year.
Second District Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, praised the perseverance of McArthur, who, he said, lobbied him - even before St. George was added to his district.
"Things have worked out now, and we all have to stay on the same page," said Matheson.

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Dixie College is seeking new center

Erin Stewart Deseret Morning News
Set in the fastest-growing community in the state, Dixie State College is quickly running out of space -- in outdated buildings -- to fit its surging enrollment.

With a 100 percent increase in students in the past decade, the St. George college is overcrowded and bracing for even more growth once the college's burgeoning bachelor's degree program is in full swing.

"We're not only reflecting the enormous growth of Washington County, but we added to it as well," said Donna Dillingham-Evans, vice president of academic services. "We're bursting at the seams with good students."

As the number of students continues to mount each year at Dixie, school leaders don't think they can wade through the traditional building process that could leave some departments waiting 15 years for more space.

School officials have a plan, however, to circumvent that process and get more space for all the students within five years: a supersized, all-in-one building right in the center of campus.

"The state is struggling to fund education in general and Dixie in particular. We have to be a little bit more creative to get caught up with some of the problems," Dixie President Lee Caldwell said.

The project -- estimated to cost between $40 million and $60 million -- will get its first hearing before the Board of Regents on Friday, and school leaders hope it will land before the state Legislature in 2007.

The idea behind the 200,000- to 300,000-square-foot, five-story complex is to combine an updated library, student services and several academic departments under one roof. Then, if those departments continue to grow, they could move into new buildings and the library could simply expand without the need for a new building.

Departments like elementary education and science could get more space now and save the state money in the long run by reducing the number of renovations needed to accommodate future growth, said Stan Plewe, vice president of college services.

Those future projections hint at even tighter quarters for Dixie with more than 25 additional bachelor's degrees set to come online within five years and an estimated enrollment increase of 50 percent.

"Our dilemma is to realize that you're only going to get so many state dollars for capital buildings. It's kind of a notion to be the right size for the near future and then the same right size in the 2020 scheme," Plewe said. "The flexibility exists to adjust to whatever that pressure would be."

If the school doesn't get the complex, Plewe said Dixie will still need seven new buildings at a cost of about $150 million in the next 20 to 25 years.

Even if the all-in-one concept is approved, Caldwell said, Dixie is going to have to continue reshaping its campus to cram in more students. Locked in by a cemetery on one side and a highway on the other, land expansion for Dixie is limited.

And while college leaders are trying to buy more stretches of land, the blistering land prices in the area pose a major roadblock. Dixie will have to look increasingly to vertical growth to add on classrooms, Caldwell said.

"If I look ahead 10-15 years, I think it's not unreasonable to assume we're going to have 15,000-20,000 students here. And with the campus footprint we have, that would be a stretch and a half," he said.

Dixie State did get some relief from the 2005 Legislature with about $15 million for a new health science building. That department in particular has seen the strain of rising enrollments, Evans said.

A microbiology class, for example, saw a 371 percent increase in enrollment since 2000.

But even with the 78,000 additional square feet in the health sciences building -- to be completed in 2008 -- Evans said the sciences are still pressed for space to get their students through all the general science classes that are prerequisites to beginning a health science major like nursing or radiology.

"It gets upstaged by something else because it doesn't seem to be the priority in the state to fund just classrooms," she said.

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:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
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Tushar Mountains, Southern Utah

Southern Utah's premiere ski resort town is expanding. The town of Brian Head recently approved a $3.7 million dollar Special Improvement District to help in the construction of the new resort, "The Summit at Brian Head."

Michael Jabara, owner and CEO of Brian Head Development Company says this year round luxury complex will bring a lot of growth to the area.

"This project is gonna, at build out, have 454 units, town homes and condos, and is designed to be the first all season luxury resort condominium complex in this town."

It will be the first in its kind in the sense that it will offer winter and summer outdoor activities, including access to hiking and skiing trails. Vertical construction of the complex will begin this spring with the first units delivered to buyers in late 2007.

The Summit is just one of several projects expected to double the size of Brian Head over the next three years.

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St. George plans party for boulevard reopening ceremony
By SCOTT DAVID JOHNSON
sjohnson@thespectrum.com

ST. GEORGE - The city will toast the results of 15 months and $15.4 million of work Friday in the official reopening of St. George Boulevard.

After several setbacks, the project has been completed on schedule and just in time for the start of the fall tourist season, said Myron Lee, of the Utah Department of Transportation.


ADVERTISEMENT

:tup: The road is now open to two lanes of traffic in both directions.

"This is the culmination of about six years worth of planning and design work, mixed up with 15 months of construction," Lee said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place alongside Smith's Food and Drug Center at the corner of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard. Speakers will include Mayor Daniel McArthur, UDOT Executive Director John Njord, Utah Sen. Bill Hickman and Rep. David Clark.

Following a breakfast provided by Smith's and entertainment from a classic rock band, a parade of classic cars will make a ceremonial first run up and down the boulevard.

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Deseret News (Salt Lake City), by Nancy Perkins Deseret Morning News
ST. GEORGE -- A new look destined for Main Street is designed to capture old memories -- blending the charm of the historic with amenities of the present.

:tup: :tup: "This project celebrates the history of St. George," said city spokesman Marc Mortensen. "The city is investing a significant amount in the downtown heart of the city and the response has been very positive."

Design plans for the St. George Town Square and Historic Water Walk on Main Street, a nine-acre, $4.2 million project, were unveiled in early October. Funding for the major reconstruction effort is coming from redevelopment agency funds, said Mortensen.

"This whole thing has been a huge partnership between the city, school district and county," he said. "It's really a model for the rest of the state on how different government interests can work together for a common goal."

Major construction won't start until the spring of 2007, although crews should begin work on a nature park on the north end of Main Street at Brooks Pond this winter.

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:tup: :tup:
Stay Up On Everything Happening at The Ledges

The Ledges of St. George has become Southern Utah's most desirable golf community, one that is bustling with activity and excitement as it emerges amidst the striking strata of desert rock formations and expansive mountain vistas.

As the project moves forward, we'll be posting important and informative notices on this page - with links to announcements, press releases and timeline updates - so check back often.

The fun - and your future - is just beginning at The Ledges.

:tup: Go to www.Ledges.com

Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf to be featured at The Ledges
St. George, Utah - The Ledges of St. George, Southern Utah's most exclusive golf community, and the prestigious Nicklaus Academies are pleased to announce an agreement that will bring the highest level of golf instruction to one of the nation's most awe-inspiring locations.


All Roads Lead to The Ledges
St. George, Utah - There is a great deal of excitement and activity on every front. The Ledges Golf Club has already received rave reviews from enthusiastic members who, since March, have been enjoying the stunning 7,200-yard championship course, created by world-class designer Matt Dye.

Nearly 200 Homesites

[Schmoe]

^Would you post a link?

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:tup: golf just gets better

By Dick Harmon
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — Golf in this desert wonderland just took a step up by adding a caste system, if you will.
The new Ledges in Snow Canyon opened up a few month's ago, and its $3 million clubhouse is sleek and beautiful. Already selling memberships, the Ledges is headed toward privatization some day, so the pass for public use is right now.
Entrada, site of the women's Mountain West Conference championships , is by far the best manicured course in southern Utah since Troon management took over three years ago. It will absolutely be private in six months.
After Oct. 1, 2006, the only way to play Entrada is if you are a member, a guest of a member who is playing in your foursome, or if you buy a golf package that is part of the resort offering linked to staying at the Inns at Entrada, also under Troon management.
There is talk of adding another 18-hole course, possibly a Fazio design, right next to Entrada, as that property is headed for exclusivity and a destination golf atmosphere similar to stops in Scottsdale, Ariz. The $9 million clubhouse at Entrada is one of the classiest in the state. It oozes the look of money, big money.
The net result in St. George will be club atmospheres added to Bloomington Country Club, where golf has been locked out from outsiders. And, gulp, it will be expensive.
Why?
Because there is a market in this burgeoning community for a private golf club experience, now that closed-gate communities are popping up like jackrabbits. Upscale houses approaching a million dollars or more are being erected as fast as land is available in St. George, part of the migration from California through Las Vegas to the Beehive State. Most of the land is gone and now the property rush is headed up Snow Canyon and into Washington and Hurricane.
Joe Morris, manager of the Inns at Entrada, estimates the lavish cottages that line the No. 9 fairway will be filled with the elite top 5 to 10 percent of Entrada regulars who are sold on the atmosphere and golf.
Troon has poured money and time into Entrada. During wintertime, this is more than evident when compared to other Dixie courses. It isn't even close.
"There are plans for even more construction around the property, and we haven't even begun to market what we offer," Morris said.
Troon wouldn't sink the dough into Entrada at this rate unless there was a payoff coming, and population growth figures, mixed with projected economic indicators of who those new move-ins are and what they have to spend, clearly leads the way.
Coral Canyon is a popular golf stop in St. George, one that quickly found favor with the public and groups who book vacations through Golf Mesquite and Red Rocks Golf Trail. These are co-op groups that cater to the demand for desert golf during winter months, a ticket that's becoming hotter by the month.
The Ledges and Entrada are also part of those co-ops. But they are separating themselves right now.
The Ledges, a course linked to real estate development, has a sleepy front nine that sets the stage for a breathtaking back that borders red cliffs, buttes, washes and beautiful Snow Canyon. While the back needs some growth and time to fill out, the Ledges is in full operation and accepting all comers. There is talk of staging some UGA championships at the Ledges in the near future.
Ledges director of golf Coby Cowan reports club memberships are moving right along and there will come a time it will be private. If the model home just off the left side fairways of holes 11 and 12 is any indication of the expected neighborhood, it will be as upper class as anything this side of Las Vegas.
The bottom line is Utah is a bargain land for golf in terms of green fees and quality of courses, but there are some upper crust courses like Ledges and Entrada that will soon be beyond the reach of the ordinary player without a club-carrying ticket.
St. George. It's no longer just a place to stop for gas and snacks on the way to Vegas. And for golf? Now there are layers upon layers, with no end in sight.


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Dixie — Land rush: Historic growth setting records

Copyright 2006 Deseret Morning News
By Dave Anderton
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — Allan Carter will never forget the night he went back to the future.
Jason Olson, Deseret Morning NewsLike the rest of Washington County, Bloomington is growing rapidly. The county's population jumped 8 percent in the year ended June 30, 2005. It was August 1971 and Carter, a Brigham Young University student at the time, remembers dreaming that he was standing at the intersection of 300 West and St. George Boulevard in downtown St. George, looking across his native city and marveling at what he saw.
"I could see homes as far as I could see," Carter said. "Thousands of homes."
Back then, Washington County's population of 14,000 was roughly one-tenth of its current size. St. George was viewed as little more than a dusty stopover between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. There were no gated communities, no million-dollar homes and certainly no traffic jams.
But the city was about to shake off its small-time status. And for Carter, whose dream convinced him to quit college and take over his father's St. George-based title company, the timing could not have been better.
Today, Washington County is the fastest-growing county in the state. With a growth rate of 8 percent for the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, the county ranks as the nation's fifth-fastest growing county, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
And this is no dream.
Land speculators, a wave of retiring baby boomers and second-home buyers are fueling the biggest real estate rush in the county's history, according to a report commissioned by the Deseret Morning News and prepared by James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
"In absolute terms there has been no period like the past three years in Washington County history," Wood said. "It's a frenzy. That's all anyone talks about is housing prices and how much money they have made."
Upscale gated communities like Entrada, Northbridge Estates, Stone Cliff and The Ledges offer million-dollar views with million-dollar price tags. In less than 25 years, more people will live in Washington County than in Weber County, according to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. By 2038, more than 600,000 people will live in Washington County, outnumbering those living in Davis County, according to Carter, who believes the state's population projections are too conservative.
Carter may be right.
In 2005, more residential building permits were issued in St. George than in any other Utah city, Wood said. About one in every seven new residential units built in Utah in 2005 was in Washington County, and that figure was one of every six in 2004.
Such explosive growth has caught the attention of Utah Republican Sen. Bob Bennett and Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson, who last week unveiled The Washington County Growth & Conservation Act of 2006. It would create a comprehensive plan for managing public lands in Washington County and preserve more than 219,000 acres in and near Zion National Park as wilderness.
Highlights of the proposal include selling around 25,000 acres of public land and using 15 percent of the proceeds for public education, water projects and fire and flood protection. The other 85 percent would be earmarked to preserve historic rangeland and vital watersheds, buy more land to protect endangered species and improve conservation efforts on numerous projects throughout the county.
All of which is designed to help manage growth for both longtime residents and newcomers, many of whom are no strangers to the Beehive State.
Perhaps surprisingly, roughly 51 percent of Washington County buyers in 2005 were from Utah, snowbirds seeking an escape from the long winter of the state's northern half, according to Southern Utah Title Co. Next were Californians, who made up 26 percent of all transactions. Nevada came in third at 10 percent, with other states making up 13 percent. They are people like Rocky Burt, 55, a former program analyst for the state of Alaska, who retired to Washington County three years ago after vacationing at Zion National Park.
In March, Burt and his wife moved into a new 3,700-square-foot home in Washington city. He said the $1.2 million home, complete with 22-foot-high ceilings, automated blinds, a courtyard, outdoor kitchen and two waterfalls, is a bargain compared to similar properties in Pismo Beach, Calif., where they originally looked to retire.
"We found the values here — especially for the quality of construction and what you get for your money here — to be far superior as to what you can get in California," Burt said. "We think we made the best choice."
About 80 percent of Washington County's growth comes from such in-migration, Wood said. In 2005, net in-migration for the county totaled 8,300 people. Only Salt Lake and Utah counties had more.
Mike Thomas, 58, of Budd Lake, N.J., purchased a building lot two years ago for $112,000 in Foremaster Ridge, which sits on East Bluff above the Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George.
Today, that same lot would sell for about $230,000, according to Doug Rogers, co-developer of the subdivision. Lots in the subdivision's newest phase are now selling for $340,000, with homes in the neighborhood valued as high as $2 million.
"We are probably 20 to 30 percent cheaper than the average view lot around the county," Rogers said. "I'm sure that over the next six months there could be some price raising. Any lot that is bought right now, my guess would be that they'll gain 20 to 30 percent over the next one to three years."
Soaring property values have made millions of dollars for people smart enough to buy at the right price and sell at the right time, according to Stephen Wade, who moved from Salt Lake City to St. George 14 years ago after purchasing a financially distressed car dealership.
Jason Olson, Deseret Morning NewsToday, the area is the fastest-growing in Utah and is expected to keep growing. Today, Wade owns five automobile franchises, six motorcycle franchises and the local television station. He also co-founded a local bank and is chairman of the board for Dixie State College.
"I look at some people here in St. George, and it's phenomenal what they've done with real estate," Wade said. "There is a certain element about real estate deals that is like gambling. It gets under your skin, and you want to do it. There is a frenzy that comes with it. You get excited as you do things."
Wade should know. He has made a small fortune from several of his own real estate deals. Currently, Wade and five other partners are developing a 20-acre piece of ground known as River Road Development, which will include restaurants, offices, a bank, hotel and a bridal shop.
"This whole region is on fire," Wade said. "It's not just St. George."
Yet it is St. George's lush golf courses, red-rock cliffs, vast recreational possibilities and proximity to national parks, monuments and Las Vegas that are attracting what Wood refers to as "equity refugees."
"That's what they call these people from California and Nevada," Wood said. "They bought a home in 1975 in Santa Monica for $110,000. It's now worth $800,000. They've paid it off. What they plan on doing is taking the money out and retiring."
Many equity refugees moving to Washington County are baby boomers, those born from 1946 to 1964. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 78.2 million baby boomers in the United States. And while only 23 percent of Utah's population is comprised of baby boomers, their numbers here are projected to grow.
Between 2005 and 2010 the number of Utahns over age 60 will grow twice as fast as those under 60, according to Wood, who added that boomers from California, Nevada and Arizona are now crucial to Washington County's market.
"I feel the wave has just begun as far as baby boomers moving to St. George," Burt said. "With the lifestyle and the prices, I just feel it's a great value that's really going to expand as the baby boomers retire. They are coming here from all over the country, and they are willing to dump a lot of money in here."
In 2004, about 55 percent of people in Washington County applying for Utah drivers' licenses were new residents from California, Nevada and Arizona.
"Every state except Massachusetts was represented," Wood said. "As baby boom demographics have converged with equity refugees and low interest rates, Sun Belt communities have benefited."
And with sustained economic fundamentals like job growth, in-migration and low interest rates, Wood believes the rush to Utah's Dixie is likely to continue. "It might plateau," Wood said, "but it's going to stay strong."
It's like something out of Carter's dream, as is the growth of his own company, which now employs 125 people.
"The dream convinced me that my spot was not in graduating but in coming to St. George," said Carter, 57.
"If you were here today, you would see a miracle. What's made it great is for me to look around and see my friends and my neighbors and realize that most of them had no connection to southern Utah."


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Contributing: Nancy Perkins

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^Would you post a link?


Schmoe, Go to www.Ledges.com

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Health-care projects in southern Utah

Dixie Regional Medical Center expansion — Health care in Utah's Dixie took a major step forward less than three years ago when Intermountain Healthcare broke ground for a $100 million medical facility in St. George. IHC recently announced plans to add additional InstaCare Clinics in Cedar City, St. George and Hurricane, where a 20-acre parcel has been purchased for the expanded facility.
Dixie State College partners with IHC — A new Health Science Building will be constructed on the campus of Dixie Regional Medical Center on River Road. This joint venture between DSC and DRMC will boost the college's programs in nursing, surgical technician, medical radiography, dental hygiene and emergency medical technician.

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St. George job growth is No. 1 in the nation

By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News
ST. GEORGE — Washington County's largest city continues to generate new jobs, beating out hundreds of other cities nationwide with a higher percentage in its job growth rate, according to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. "I'm absolutely convinced if you have a pulse and you're not on drugs, you're a hot commodity," said Washington County economic development director Scott Hirschi. "I haven't talked to a single business that's not having a fair amount of trouble attracting employees and retaining them."
According to the April 2006 report, the largest over-the-year percentage increase in employment was reported in St. George at 8.5 percent. The increase in nonfarm payroll employment from April over April a year earlier was not seasonally adjusted and included reports from 467 metropolitan areas across the nation.
Of those metropolitan areas, 308 reported year-over increases, 49 recorded decreases and 10 had no change. The national unemployment rate in April was 4.5 percent, down from 4.9 percent a year earlier, according to the national report.
Utah's unemployment rate in April was 3.5 percent, with a 4.2 percent employment growth, according to a May 16 Department of Workforce Services news release.
DWS senior economist Mark Knold noted in the release that "the only groups having trouble in the current economic environment are some aspects of the business community who are not finding an abundant supply of skilled labor."
Utah southwest regional economist Lecia Parks Langston said the county's unemployment rate continues to drop, slipping below 3.1 percent in December to 2.7 percent in April.
That kind of job growth makes for a very tight labor market and is placing "upward pressure on wages" in Washington County, she said.
Hirschi said Washington County's low unemployment rate poses a significant challenge for current and prospective employers.
"I wouldn't be surprised if this didn't slow some expansion plans of existing businesses, but it hasn't been a huge problem (recruiting new clients) for me," he said. "It has certainly raised the eyebrows of my clients, though."
Employers are finding it not only hard to find enough qualified employees, but virtually any employee, Hirschi noted.
"There's no question that employers have had to pay more, probably 6 to 10 percent increase in wages over the last 12 to 18 months," he said. "The challenge that employers are having to one degree or another is good news for employees. Employees are much more in the driver's seat right now."


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More building's that look like this in the mix please.

www.delange.org/SGTemple/SGTemple.htm

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:tup: GOLFING YEAR 'ROUND
IN UTAH'S GOLF CAPITAL

If you've ever dreamed of playing golf near national parks with towering red sandstone cliffs on the horizon with desert flora in the landscape, say hello to the Red Rock Corridor. Golf Magazine calls our area, The Red Rock Corridor, and it is centered in St. George. Our golf courses have been described as "golfer's paradise," "dreams come true, " "secret golf mecca," "golf galore and more." Yes, St. George's lush golf courses lure many people to this area to experience a golfer's paradise. There are ten public courses and one private golf club.

Golf Digest's Top Golf-Home Markets - West


Per capita, the St George area offers more golf than any other spot in the sunbelt. In fact, there are more courses per captia in St George than almost anywhere else in the country. The City of St George offers four great golf courses. They are: Sunbrook Golf Club, St George Golf Club, Southgate Golf Club and Red Hills Golf Course. Sky Mountain Golf Course is owned by the City of Hurricane and Washington City's pride is their Green Spring Golf Course. Bloomington Golf Club located in Bloomington is the only private course in the area.

Coral Canyon Golf Course, Entrada Golf Club The Ledges, and SunRiver Golf Club are privately owned golf courses which are all open to the public. Information about these courses follow in alphabetical order.


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BLOOMINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
Par-72, 18 holes......7,082 yards
Phone: 435-673-2029


The Bloomington Country Club is the only private member owned club in the St. George area. This course is located in Bloomington and is surrounded by foothills and lush vegetation with a driving range, quality food and superior facilities for its members!



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CORAL CANYON GOLF COURSE
Par -72, 18 holes golf course.....7,029 yards
Phone: 435-688-1700 www.coralcanyongolf.com

Coral Canyon Golf Course is the newest addition to Washington County golf. Coral Canyon is located 10 miles north of St George just off the Hurricane (SR9 Hi-way) exit.

Set amidst beauty and splendor, Coral Canyon was designed to blend in with it's natural surroundings. Many Utah golfers are already rating Coral Canyon as on of the top golf courses in the state.. With 100 acres of turf, 55 bunkers, two lakes and numerous washes running throughout the course, Coral Canyon offers enough obstacles to test any golfer. Coral Canyon is player friendly and features generous landing areas and five different tee blocks to suit golfers of all ages and skill levels.

The beautiful, full-service clubhouse at Coral Canyon features a pro shop and a restaurant, and a friendly staff is eager and willing to accommodate your every need.


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DIXIE RED HILLS GOLF COURSE
Par-34, nine-hole course.....2,733 yards
Phone: 435-634-5852 www.sgcity.org\golf\redhills.ap

Dixie Red Hills Golf Course is a favorite among those golfers who like a relaxed, enjoyable round of golf. It is perfect for the golfer who likes to walk the course and enjoy the outdoors. Dixie Red Hills, which opened in the mid-1960's, was the first of four golf courses that the City of St. George has developed.

The most player-friendly golf course in Washington County, Dixie Red Hills meanders around the red sandstone cliffs of Utah's Dixie Hills, Hundreds of mature cottonwoods, pines and mesquite provide ample shade during the warmer months.


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ENTRADA AT SNOW CANYON
Par-72, 18 hole golf course...7,262 yards
Phone: 435-674-7500 www.golfentrada.com

Entrada at Snow Canyon is one of the most beautiful and one of the most difficult golf courses in Washington County and the state. Entrada features breathtaking views of the beautiful red rock Snow Canyon. You will marvel at the beauty and serenity of Entrada at Snow Canyon and you will appreciate the difficulty the designer and developers faced to layout this golf course. You might have already played Entrada as this course was chosen as one of the courses you can play on Access Software Links LS '99.

Entrada at Snow Canyon features a pro shop and snack bar to supply you with all the equipment and refreshments you will need.


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GREEN SPRING GOLF COURSE
Par-71, 18-hole golf course.....6,629 yards
Phone: 435-673-7888 www.greenspringgolfcourse.com

Green Spring Golf Course is owned and operated by Washington City and is one of the finest courses in Washington County, It was ranked one of the top five new public golf courses by Golf Digest in 1991.

Green Spring features great variety if natural obstacles from hills and gorges to ravines and mountains throughout its 18 holes. The course offers great scenic beauty of red rock mountains and Pine Valley Mountain in the background.

Green Springs includes a large clubhouse, snack bar, pro shop and driving range.


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SKY MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE
Par-72, 18 hole golf course.....6,312 yards
Phone: 435- 635-7888 http://www.ci.hurricane.ut.us/departments/golf.html

Perhaps the biggest challenge you will have at Sky Mountain is keeping your mind focused on golf as you view the spectacular Virgin River gorge with its red rocks glowing in the warm sun. Sky Mountain Golf course is located 15 miles north of St George in Hurricane. Sky Mountain is a player-friendly course and offers a driving range, pro-shop and snack bar.


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ST GEORGE GOLF CLUB
Par-73, 18 hole golf course.....7,217 yards
Phone: 634-5854 www.sgcity.org\golf\sggolfclub.asp

St George Golf Club boasts that they have some of the state's best greens and is home to the St George Amateur. It is located in the Bloomington Hills area of St George and is a St George City owned course. The par 3s at St George Golf Club are some of the most difficult in Washington County with average yardage of at least 190 yards, featuring forced carries over water. Moderate hills and generous terrain make St George Golf Club easy on the legs.


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SOUTHGATE GOLF CLUB
Par-70, 18 hole golf course.....6,100 yards
Phone: 435-628-0000 www.sgcity.org\golf\southgate.asp

Southgate Golf Club, located on the south end of St George just east of the freeway, is a favorite among locals because of it's laid back atmosphere and player-friendly design. Southgate is another beautiful, city-owned golf course and is great for those who are looking for a little break on their scoring average. If you like par 3's, then this is perfect for you. Southgate has matured into a course people enjoy playing time and time again.

Southgate Golf Club features a pro shop, snack bar, range and several teaching programs directed by a staff of PGA golf professionals.


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SUNBROOK GOLF CLUB
The Point - Par 36, 9 holes........ 3.375 yard
The Woodbridge - par 36, 9 holes......3,444 yards
Blackrock - Par 36, 9 holes......3,384 yards
Phone: 435-634-5866 www.sgcity.org\golf\sunbrook.asp

Sunbrook Golf Club is the crown jewel of St. George City. Rated by Golf Digest as the No. 1 publicly owned course in the state, Sunbrook is the only golf club in southwestern Utah to feature 27 championship holes on three distinct nines. This course features lakes, waterfalls, and rock walls along the picturesque Santa Clara River.

The Point nine is a 3,375-yard par 36 that features some great risk/reward holes that will force the golfers to decide to play safe or to go for it.

The Woodbridge nine is a par 36 that measure 3,444 yards and puts a premium on shot placement.

The newest nine, Blackrock, meanders through an ancient lava field and requires accurate tee shots. It is par-36 and 3, 384 yards.

Sunbrook Golf Club is a favorite destination of golfers everywhere and features more variety than any other facility in Washington County. With 27 holes of golf from which to choose, Sunbrook is able to meet all of your expectations for a great golf destination.

A new, 14,000 square-foot clubhouse features a roomy pro-shop, giant snack bar and a beautiful deck to relax on after a round of golf.


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SUNRIVER GOLF CLUB
Par 71, 18 holes........6,704 yards
Phone: 435- 986-0001 www.sunriver.com

SunRiver Golf Club is one of the newest on the Washington County golf scene and is the highlight of the Sun River retirement community. Located in the south end of St. George near Bloomington, SunRiver opened in the spring of 2000. SunRiver has enough features to keep the best players on their toes, but is considered to be a player-friendly course. The course features superb views of Pine Valley Mountain and the vermillion cliffs north of St George. Several fairways sit above the banks of the Virgin River and the natural terrain varies from riverside to desert. The layout is fun to play and offers some of the best greens in the state.

Sun River Golf Club has a pro shop, snack bar, driving range and short game practice area.



Areas Best Golf Holes - You decide!










ST GEORGE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 97 E ST GEORGE BLVD, ST GEORGE, UT 84770
Phone: 435-628-1658 E-mail - hotspot@stgeorgechamber.com B

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Dixie future may hinge on water

Copyright 2006 Deseret Morning News
By Dave Anderton
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — When the first 300 Mormon families arrived here in 1861, it rained for 40 days, according to accounts from the time.
Jason Olson, Deseret Morning NewsSand Hollow Reservoir between St. George and Hurricane has helped supply water necessary for the area's huge growth. But during most years since then, finding enough water to sustain life has been a struggle for those who have made the desert their home.
"Building dams to divert water from the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers was a constant battle," said Doug Alder, past president of Dixie College and a St. George resident. "The whole history of the county has been water development. Every 10 years you had a water project. Many of them didn't succeed."
Yet at least in the short term, water concerns do not seem to be slowing new residential development in Dixie.
In fact, the Washington County Water Conservancy District has 25,000 acre feet of unallocated water reserves, enough to support at least 20,000 new households or 60,000 people, according to a report commissioned by the Deseret Morning News and prepared by James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
That should be enough water to last until 2020, according to Barbara Hjelle, assistant manager and general counsel of the Washington County Water Conservancy District. And with plans under way to build a 120-mile pipeline from Lake Powell to St. George, the county's water needs could be assured until 2039, Hjelle said.
The area will need every drop it can find.
With a growth rate of 8 percent, Washington County is the nation's fifth-fastest-growing county.
More than 600,000 people will live in Washington County by 2050, according to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. But some believe the state's projections are off. Allan Carter, director of developer services for Southern Utah Title Co., which tracks real estate transactions on a daily basis, estimates that the county will surpass the 600,000 mark by 2038.
"There's a lot of development going on down here and a lot of people coming to us for water," Hjelle said. "A lot of folks come to us and say, 'You should not develop water, because you should stop growth in Washington County.' Those sorts of decisions should be made by the people who are elected. We are not trying to drive policies of growth through water."
Without the Lake Powell pipeline, which will channel about 70,000 acre feet of water annually and support 200,000 people, water could become a constraint by 2020, Wood said.
The district's biggest customer is St. George, which purchases 10,000 acre feet of water annually. Another 2,000 acre feet of water is sold to Washington city, with smaller blocks of 500 to 1,000 acre feet sold to other municipalities.
Traditionally, cities paid for blocks of water under so-called "take or pay" contracts, meaning they paid for a block of water whether they used it all or not.
That all changes in April, when municipalities begin paying only for the water they use, and a new $4,300 water impact fee is charged by the county on all new recorded lots.
"In the past, the district promoted water conservation, people reduced their water usage and the cities had the same bill to us whether the water was used or not," Hjelle said. "Now we are in harmony with one another. If we promote water conservation and their people use less, they pay less."
For people like Merritt Frey, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, that is good news. Frey is concerned about St. George's high per-capita water use.
At 391 gallons, St. George residents consume more water per capita on a daily basis than people in Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Phoenix, according to a 2005 study by the U. bureau.
"No matter what you might think about different proposed projects, the first order of business down there has got to be water conservation and lowering the per-capita water use," Frey said. "Especially when you think about every person you add at a higher per-capita water use, there's just a multiplier effect there. If they can start to bring that down now, they can really stretch their existing supply." Frey added that it is important that the Lake Powell pipeline, at a cost of $370 million for the Washington County portion, is paid through user fees.
"As this area is booming and people are increasing their property values by 35 percent a year, the cost of that development should really be reflected in water bills, rather than subsidized through taxes," Frey said. "People will argue that there is statewide benefit at some level to this work, but what we've really seen in studies is that if that cost is not reflected in water bills, we see water waste. When the cost is incorporated, people are motivated to conserve."
Alder said the county's relatively inexpensive water has sent an anti-conservation message.
"We haven't had to conserve, but all this growth is totally dependent upon water," Alder said. "We will never have a surplus."


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ST. GEORGE-- Hundred's of people showed up in St. George recently to review plans for more than a dozen transportation projects idling just over the horizon in Utah's fastest growing county.
"We wanted to not only help people understand what's happening, but to let them know what the timelines are for some of these projects," said Myron Lee, the public involvement coordinator for the Utah Department of Transportation Region Four. "Normally, if we get 30 or so people to an open house, we're happy. So we were extremely pleased with the turnout at this event."
More than 750 people strolled the booths of the free expo held at the Dixie Center. Many took a moment to visit with project engineers, voice concerns or seek answers to questions.
Comments posted on a wallboard expressed frustrations with traffic signals, unfinished or flood-damaged trail systems, big truck rigs using tightly wound roundabouts and dangerous intersections throughout St. George. Various booths dealt with things like building a long-distance off-road vehicle trail, adding more public transportation and plans for beltway routes that would connect Ivins with Bloomington/SunRiver and St. George with Hurricane.
"As an urbanized area, as a whole, we're trying to get our arms around these transportation projects," said St. George city traffic engineer Aron Baker. "We know we have to plan as a group and that what we do impacts other cities. We wanted to get the message out that a lot of these projects involve the whole community and we wanted their comments and guidance."
Anonymous comments were accepted throughout the process and many people voiced their thoughts and concerns, said Lee.
Construction under way on St. George Boulevard, which is adding raised medians and eliminating many left turn options, is financially hurting many of the smaller business owners, and there is widespread concern that a project planned for Bluff Street will do the same.
"We had comments left on maps, on the wall board, at booths and on forms," said Lee. "We have a huge job ahead of us to just compile the comments and forward them to the right jurisdiction."
Representatives from UDOT, various Washington County cities, different engineering firms and the Dixie Transportation Planning Organization gathered at the expo with charts, handouts and other visual tools to illustrate 17 transportation projects.
Santa Clara, a city once known for its shady, tree-lined lanes and delicious fruit stands, is trying to recapture its Swiss heritage by installing newly designed streetlights, landscaping, water features, benches and underground utilities.
Traffic congestion problems exist everywhere and the solutions aren't quick or cheap. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be needed to complete the projects proposed at the expo.
"Our biggest challenge is the phenomenal growth that we're seeing all over the county," said Lee. "We're trying to accommodate the growth we have right now and build roads that will last 30 years or more. We don't want to have to come back and do this over again for a while."


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:D Go to www.entradarealty.com

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http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:QG8XZQR6OkZqNM:http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/images/wallpaper/twilight/saint_george.jpg
Photo By: Dave Caron

http://travel.southernutah.com/utah/st_george/green-gate-village/photo-tour/img_5540.jpg/image_preview

http://travel.southernutah.com/utah/st_george/green-gate-village/photo-tour/img_5553.jpg/image_preview

http://travel.southernutah.com/utah/st_george/green-gate-village/photo-tour/img_5555.jpg/image_preview

http://travel.southernutah.com/utah/st_george/green-gate-village/photo-tour/img_5636.jpg/image_preview

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http://www.travelwest.net/cities/stgeorge/images/stgeorgepanarama.jpg

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By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — A handful of state legislators toured southern Utah, visiting several potential building sites for projects that will accommodate the region's growing school system, tourism and justice system.
"Going on tour and coming down here to see the growth is a lot different than just hearing about it," said David Clark, R-Santa Clara, who joined members of the capital facilities and administrative services subcommittee for the tour on Monday. "Kicking the dirt and seeing the growth yourself is a very important part of understanding it."
Half a dozen state lawmakers joined members of the State Building Board for the statewide capital facilities tour that began and ended in Salt Lake City, Clark said. Tour members visited potential project sites in St. George, Cedar City and Richfield. The team also looked at a proposed site for a joint driver license/Division of Motor Vehicle building in Utah County.
Topping the list of capital facility projects in Washington County was the building that currently houses the Fifth District Court in St. George. Judges now hear cases in cramped quarters in a building next to the St. George administrative center.
Officials with the city, Washington County School District and the state are working on a three-way real-estate deal that would give each entity room to expand. About $1.5 million in state funds has already been allocated for the design work on a new courthouse building that could cost as much as $28 million to construct, according to documents on the legislative fiscal analyst's Web site.
Also on the tour was a multiusee learning center on the Dixie State College campus, and a 20-acre parcel in Hurricane that the college would like to purchase for the Dixie Applied Technology Center.
The nearly 34,000-square foot learning center will be designed to adapt to the college's changing needs, said Chris Taylor, Dixie State College spokesman.
Another stop on the tour was a possible location for a new St. George Welcome Center along I-15. The present welcome center sits on 28 acres of prime commercial property that St. George officials want to sell. The resulting funds would help pay for the city's share of another future project, the Southern Corridor, which would skirt the St. George replacement airport on the southeast side of town.
A legislative capital facilities committee will review the long list of state-funded capital project requests before submitting its recommendations to the 2007 Legislature, Clark said.


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Affordable housing sought in Dixie

Committee seeks more tax credits for low-income projects

By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — Washington County is facing an "affordable housing crisis" that needs immediate attention, according to members of the Dixie Area Workforce Housing Affordability Committee.
In a letter sent to the Utah Housing Corporation, the committee requested help in the form of more tax credits for low-income housing projects in the county.
"Over the past couple of years, we have noticed that there are fewer and fewer tax-credit projects being built in Washington County," said the letter, which was addressed to Bill Erickson, president of the Utah Housing Corp. "When we ask some of the developers why they are not continuing to develop properties, their answer is always that they cannot be competitive any more."
The committee members include elected representatives from Washington County and the cities of St. George, Santa Clara, LaVerkin, Ivins, Washington and Hurricane. The committee is part of a larger group committed to finding solutions to the affordable-housing problems facing county employers and residents.
Washington County is the fifth-fastest-growing county in the nation, with a year-over population increase of more than 8.25 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many elected officials who worry about providing and paying for public services see that statistic as a double-edged sword.
Members of the St. George City Council cited area growth as the biggest factor in their vote to increase residential- and commercial-development impact fees.
"Who should pay for this growth?" Ed Bacca, a St. George resident, asked during a public hearing on the impact fees. "Not homeowners who already paid for the current impact of development."
But Councilman Larry Gardner said he was troubled by Bacca's comment.
"St. George has always been built on a 'pay it forward' attitude," Gardner said. "I think we have to be careful saying we as individuals don't have any obligation to others who may want to live here. We've talked long and hard about attainable housing, and $10,000 may make the difference on whether (prospective homeowners) can get financing for a home or not."
According to the affordability committee's letter, construction costs in Washington County have increased and the labor pool is shrinking. The vacancy rate for rental housing is currently 1.7 percent, while the rate for the rest of the state is just over 4 percent.
Compounding that problem is a boom in real-estate prices, with the average cost of a home shooting up more than 36 percent during the first quarter of 2006 to $327,322, according to the Utah Association of Realtors.
Land prices have also soared, from $50,000 per acre five years ago to more than $225,000 per acre and higher today, depending on the location of the property. Only 18 percent of Washington County is privately owned, which means there is a limit to what can and can't be developed, the committee's letter said.
"We truly believe that our housing problem is unique and larger than in any other area of the state. We hope that we can find out how to provide a means for getting the available resources to where they are needed the most," the committee's letter informs Erickson, who was not available for comment.


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Hopefully that new airport in St. George will be built sooner rather than later.

Net income increases at SkyWest

Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — Regional airline SkyWest Inc. on Monday reported higher year-over-year net income on a 59 percent increase in operating revenues.
The company said net income totaled $40.7 million, or 63 cents per share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30. That compares with $30.1 million, or 51 cents per share, for the same quarter in 2005.
The earnings per share in the most recent quarter matched the consensus expectation of Wall Street analysts.
Operating revenues were $791.8 million, up from $497.3 million a year earlier.
For the first nine months of the year, SkyWest reported net income of $114.6 million, or $1.82 per share, on operating revenues of $2.33 billion. That compares with $73.6 million, or $1.26 per share, on operating revenues of $1.22 billion for the first nine months of 2005.
Contributing to the financials was the company's acquisition of Atlantic Southeast Airlines Inc., which was completed Sept. 7, 2005. ASA is now a wholly owned subsidiary.
At the end of the quarter, SkyWest had 333 regional jets and 74 other aircraft. It had $595 million in cash and marketable securities. Its long-term debt increased to $1.51 billion, compared with $1.42 billion at the end of 2005.
SkyWest Airlines, based in St. George, operates as United Express and Delta Connection carriers. Atlanta-based ASA operates as a Delta Connection carrier. Together, they serve 229 cities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with 2,441 daily departures.
SkyWest Inc. stock rose 79 cents, or 3 percent, Monday to close at $26.90 per share. During the past year, the price has ranged from $20.88 to $34.09.

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Gold's Gym creates complex in St. George

Gold's Gym of Utah, which operates 15 locations in Utah, this week will open a 50,000-square-foot sports complex in St. George.
A grand opening ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the gym, 434 N. Mall Drive.
Gold's Gym of Utah is slated to have 20 gyms by 2007.

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TRUST LANDS SELECTS DEVELOPER FOR HIDDEN VALLEY PROJECT



The State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration has selected Ivory Homes for the creation of a community consisting of 995 residences on 360 acres of trust land at Hidden Valley in St. George. Hidden Valley is located one to two miles southeast of the Bloomington interchange on I-15.



Hidden Valley will feature attainable housing in a variety of designs including single-family homes, patio homes, town homes, and apartments. The community will have a park, an elementary school site, a community center, and an urban trail system.



This project signals the return of Ivory Homes to the St. George area. Ellis R. Ivory was the original developer of the Bloomington area of St. George and founder of Ivory Homes. Ivory has been a successful real estate developer and homebuilder along the Wasatch Front during the intervening years.



"I am very happy to have a company such as Ivory Homes working with us on this significant project," says Kevin Carter, Director of the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. "I am confident they can deliver a high-quality product that will please the St. George community. The undertaking is expected to put multiple millions of dollars into Utah's Permanent School Fund over the next decade. We at Trust Lands look forward to the groundbreaking."



According to Clark D. Ivory, Chief Executive Officer of Ivory Homes, "We are excited to have been selected by State Trust Lands to develop and build this exciting new community in St. George. The location and master plan for Hidden Valley are well situated and will offer us an opportunity to provide exceptional design, quality construction and a commitment to service in the St. George marketplace."



The School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is an independent state agency that manages 3.4 million acres of Utah trust lands for the benefit of Utah=s schools and other public institutions.

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http://members.aol.com/americacruising/lake_powell.jpg Lake Powell, Utah




Nov. 2006

Las Vegas Review-Journal

QUENCHING THIRST

Pipeline network aims to provide water for growth in Nevada,Utah,Arizona

By HENRY BREAN
REVIEW-JOURNAL


Seventy years after the completion of Hoover Dam, plans are in the works on a new round of massive public projects aimed at supplying water for growth in Nevada,Utah,and Arizona. Within decades, the region could see a groundwater pipeline network stretching north from Las Vegas, and long pipelines from Lake Powell into Southern Utah and north central Arizona.

White Pine County rancher and pipeline opponent Dean Baker gives an aerial tour of Snake Valley in eastern Nevada, one of several rural watersheds targeted for groundwater development.
Photo by John Locher.

When drawn on a map, the Southern Nevada Water Authority's proposed pipeline network across Eastern Nevada resembles a weed growing north from the parched soil of Las Vegas.

A wider view reveals other weeds set to sprout from the garden. Over the next 20 years, as many as three massive pipelines could be built in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Those projects would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and stretch across hundreds of miles of remote terrain to deliver water to growing communities barely within reach of the Colorado River.

"I guess somewhere we decided as humans it's better to take the water to the people instead of the people to the water. I guess we'll keep doing that," said Dennis J. Strong, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources.

Southern Nevada's pipeline network is merely the largest and costliest of the proposed projects. It is also the only one that seeks to tap groundwater in one watershed and move it to another.

The pipelines under consideration in Utah and Arizona would carry Colorado River water to burgeoning population centers in those states, far from the river's banks.

The Utah pipeline is expected to deliver almost 70,000 acre-feet of water a year to feed growth in St. George and along the Interstate 15 corridor in the southwest corner of the Beehive State. It also would supply 10,000 acre-feet to Kanab and 20,000 acre-feet to Cedar City.

But that will require no small feat of engineering.

First the water will need to be lifted some 2,600 feet from Lake Powell, near Glen Canyon Dam, to a high spot in the layer cake of sedimentary rock known as the Grand Staircase. From there, the water will fall some 3,000 feet to the Sand Hollow Reservoir northeast of St. George, possibly generating electricity on its downhill run to offset some of the project's overall power costs.

By the first of the year, the state expects to hire a consultant to analyze the energy aspects of the project, Strong said.

It will be six to 18 months before project officials are ready to file a right of way application for the pipeline, a move that will kick off a federal environmental review of the project.

"We are very early in the process," Strong said.

Some officials predict that without new water sources, shortages could hit in some areas of Southern Utah by as early as 2012.

The Lake Powell pipeline, preliminarily priced at about $500 million, might not be in place until 2020.

Arizona's pipeline project is even further out than that, "if it ever happens at all," said Thomas Whitmer, manager of regional water planning for the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

A study released by the department in August concluded that the north central part of the state will face "some serious unmet demands in the next 40 to 50 years," Whitmer said.

The area in question includes the Grand Canyon, the Navajo and Hopi reservations, and the communities of Flagstaff, Williams, Sedona and Page.

The study outlined about a dozen possible water solutions, including a 250-mile pipeline from Lake Mead to Flagstaff. Another, more likely scenario involves a shorter pipeline from Lake Powell to several communities in north central Arizona.

The various solutions range in cost from $400 million to $600 million, estimates Whitmer described as rough "appraisal-level numbers" that are daunting nonetheless.

"These are some very big dollars, especially for small communities," he said. "And you can build a pipeline, but the question is, what are you going to fill it with?"

Virtually all of Arizona's share of the Colorado River, 2.8 million acre-feet a year, is already spoken for. Much of it is diverted into the Central Arizona Project canal that feeds Phoenix and Tucson, and the rest is used by farming interests on or near the river.

Plans to supply north central Arizona with water from Lake Powell could be further complicated by a political distinction that divides the Colorado River into two basins, upper and lower.

Arizona is in the lower basin, but Powell is considered part of the upper basin, so any pipeline that taps the reservoir would require a potentially contentious water transfer between the two basins.

Unlike Arizona, Utah has more than enough Colorado River water to spare for a pipeline.

Utah's annual share of the river is 1.7 million acre-feet, of which roughly 1 million acre-feet are put to use each year, Strong said.

By comparison, Nevada uses, and reuses, nearly all of its allotment of 300,000 acre-feet, the smallest share by far among the seven Western states that draw water from the river.

One acre-foot of water is almost enough to supply two Las Vegas homes for one year.

"Just like Nevada intends to use all of its (Colorado River) allocation, Utah intends to use all of its allocation," Strong said. That could occur by 2030 or 2035, though he said "those are guesses."

"We can go wild with speculation about all the things that might happen," Strong said.

With an estimated cost of at least $2 billion, the Southern Nevada Water Authority's 285-mile pipeline project has moved well beyond speculation.

Sometime next year, Nevada's chief water regulator is expected rule on the authority's request to export almost 30 billion gallons of groundwater a year from White Pine County's Spring Valley, 250 miles north of Las Vegas.

Of the approximately 170,000 acre-feet of rural groundwater the authority ultimately hopes to deliver to Las Vegas, fully half of it would come from Spring Valley.

Authority officials insist there is enough unused water trapped beneath the rock in Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties to satisfy Southern Nevada's growing thirst and its need for drought protection without harming the environment.

Water authority Deputy General Manager Kay Brothers said projects like the ones now being discussed in Nevada, Arizona and Utah are not so different, at least philosophically, than the Roman aqueducts built 2,000 years ago.

"It's nothing new," Brothers said. "It is what has allowed the West to grow. It's how it's been and how it will be."

But what some view as the march of human progress others see as a direct threat to their homes and their livelihoods.

Dean Baker and his family have been ranching for more than 50 years in one of the area's targeted by the SNWA. Their Snake Valley spread straddling the Nevada-Utah border is so large that Baker sometimes uses a small aircraft to check on cattle and range conditions.

He also gives the occasional tour, flying interested guests over old cattle ponds and spring-fed marshes that have been dried up by nearby agricultural pumping.

Baker points to these things as proof that his valley has no water to spare, let alone billions of gallons for some faraway city.

"I don't believe anyone experienced in underground water withdrawal in an area such as this thinks such a withdrawal can happen without significant negative impact," he said. "It just won't work

[delts145]

http://www.dpz.com/images/popop_page/0519-MP-Final-1000_y.jpg


http://www.dpz.com/images/project_page/0519-StreetView-Ritter_p.jpg
http://www.dpz.com/images/project_page/0519-TOWN%20CENTER%20AERIAL_p.jpg
www.dpz.com/project.aspx?Project_Number=519&P...
Share your thought's on this style of development.

Elim Valley is a new community to be located within the town boundaries of Hurricane, Utah, and comparable in size to its downtown. The site itself presents tremendous opportunities because of its location adjacent to the county’s capital, St. George, and on account of the county’s population growth rate. The city of St. George has been named the second-fastest growing city in America, and the new town will provide approximately 10,000 new housing units. This will help accomodate this population growth without initiating sprawl.

The masterplan of Elim Valley calls for a community made of several neighborhoods, with a mixed-use town center to the north, and a golf course and resort hotel and village forming an island of open space in the center. The body of the town will be located to the south, with several neighborhoods interconnected by greenways and lakes. Each neighborhood will have its own center, as well as greens and canals easily accessible from every home. All neighborhoods will include a mix of housing typologies, including apartment mansions, live/work units, townhouses, cottages, courtyard houses and compounds.

The town center, which will be visible from popular State Route 9, will serve as a major asset to residents and an attraction for visitors. The size of the existing market in the region and the new town will demand warrant large-scale retail development, and so the area will include some Big Box stores on the periphery, and then will transition into a pedestrianoriented, mixed-use Main Street. Outdoor spaces, including a water park and several squares will also be a prominent part of the Main Street experience.

Trails allowing for pedestrian connectivity will also be a major asset to the community, and will give residents additional opportunity to enjoy southwest Utah’s stunning landscape and temperate climate. Designed for bikers, joggers and equestrians, the trails will connect Elim Valley’s various communities, while traversing natural settings, parks, and residential spaces. Though intended primarily for recreation, these trails will ultimately become an integral part of the site’s overall thoroughfare network.

[delts145]

Medical/Healthcare
St George/Washington County, UT

In the St.George area, where the population is over 150,000+ and climbing dramatically, the availability of health care is more than adequate and the quality surprisingly high. Because Utah's Dixie is less than a day's drive from the sprawling hospitals of urban centers such as Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the demand here didn't intensify until the population explosion of the last 10 years. Today, the St. George area has well-equipped facilities with physicians trained in most of the standard specialties.

Dixie Regional Medical Center
1380 East Medical Center Drive and 544 South 400 East, St. George
www.ihc.com

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/EcDev/ihc.gif

The recently opened Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) River Road Campus, continues a local heritage of healing in a hospital setting that spans nearly a century. "It's an exciting, historic time for health care in this region," says L. Steven Wilson, CEO and Administrator of DRMC. Washington County has made great advances in health care, including the addition of a world class heart program at the new DRMC River Road campus.

The two campus hospital provides a great environment of care for the treatment of most illnesses and surgical procedures and is licensed for 196 beds -- 132 at River Road and 64 at 400 East. Strong emphasis is also placed on prevention and wellness programs through hospital-sponsored health fairs, educational seminars, and other community partnerships and outreach efforts.

In addition to open-heart surgery and other cardiac services, DRMC River Road Campus hosts the community's emergency department and most other acute care medical and/or surgical inpatient procedures.

The hospital features 108 inpatient beds, 24 critical care beds, 12 outpatient beds, eight operating rooms and an imaging center with CT-scanning, MRI, angiography and other general radiography services.


IHC is Ranked Number One Integrated Health Care System

DRMC's parent company, Intermountain Health Care (IHC), has been ranked the number one integrated health care system in the nation five of the past six years by Verispan, an independent research firm. DRMC is the largest private employer in Washington County with more than 1,700 employees. The new hospital added approximately 400 jobs to the local economy. The average wage paid to employees when the new campus is fully operational, is estimated to be $41,262 or about 58 percent higher than the average wage in Washington County of $23,973.


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IHC Health Center
577 S River Rd
435-688-6300

You will find an InstaCare facility, imaging services, physical therapy, the Workmed center and a full service pharmacy at the IHC Health Center located on River Road. InstaCare treats illness and injuries that are urgent, but not life threatening.

Snow Canyon Clinic
272 E Center, Ivins
www.snowcanyonclinic.com
435-673-7617

Ivins' Snow Canyon Clinic provides southern Utah with the highest level of comprehensive health care for every member of the family. Snow Canyon Clinic is a multi-specialty Clinic, providing a wide range of medical services from routine care in family practice, internal medicine and dental clinics to specialty evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in their neurology, sleep disorders, cancer and infusion clinics.

The imaging center features the newest and most technically advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Its enhanced features enable them to provide state-of-the art "virtual" cardiac and vessel imaging as well as endoscopy without compromising patient comfort. Comprehensive OB/GYN and vascular ultrasonography services as well as X-ray services are available.


The Doctor's Free Clinic

The Doctor's Free Clinic provides medical care at no cost to citizens who cannot pay. It is supported by various local agencies and organizations. It is said that true greatness of a community can be measured by its kindness to those who are the least fortunate within it.


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For more information






ST GEORGE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 97 E ST GEORGE BLVD, ST GEORGE, UT 84770
Phone: 435-628-1658 E-mail - hotspot@stgeorgechamber.com BACK TO HOME PAGE

[delts145]

http://www.innatentrada.com/sites/innatentrada.com/photos/14greenlavadost.jpg





http://www.golfentrada.com/sites/www.golfentrada.com/photos/Exterior.jpg




In the heart of Southern Utah's red rock country, Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club has made its mark with a unique blend of elegant homesites and leisure activities centered around a world-class golf course. Stretched across 710 acres of desert landscape against a backdrop of sandstone cliffs, rolling dunes, black lava beds and rugged arroyos, Entrada features the amenities and lifestyle that has earned accolades from members and visitors alike. Building on a brief but distinctive history, Entrada offers an exciting future -- and extraordinary opportunities as it evolves into a completely private club in the next few years.
http://www.golfentrada.com/sites/www.golfentrada.com/photos/Beauty_Shots/entryroom.jpg
This is the place where a thousand years ago the Anasazi walked and talked and laughed and cried. Where a thousand years before that , the last of lava flows crept across the broken land. It is a place where the water, wind and time of a million millennia have left their artful mark. The stories of this place are what gives it life. The Journey Begins...


http://www.golfentrada.com/sites/www.golfentrada.com/photos/Clubhouse_photos/Clubhouse_at_Night.jpg


The dramatic 22,000 square foot main clubhouse, opened for member use in 2005, is the focal point of Club activities. The clubhouse is the latest masterpiece of award-winning architect William Zmistowski Design Group of Boulder, CO. Some of their previous designs include Sherwood Country Club, Desert Highlands Golf Club and Country Club at Castle Pines. The clubhouse includes a restaurant and lounge, large outdoor dining patio, a private dining room, and golf locker rooms exclusively for Equity Members. The lower level of the clubhouse includes a golf shop, banquet and meeting rooms, a snack bar and cart storage area.



Entrada (Spanish for "entrance") sits at the foot of jagged Navajo and Kayenta sandstone cliffs near the mouth of Snow Canyon. Rolling Dunes, ancient black lava beds and winding arroyos mark this chaotic landscape in St. George, Utah, just a two-hour drive from Las Vegas.

A sense of time and place have converged at Entrada, where water, wind, and the forces of time have left an artful impression. The course is built upon 710 acres of strikingly beautiful southwest Utah desert.The spectacular Johnny Miller Signature Golf Course is the featured amenity of the Entrada development.

Troon Golf entered into a management agreement with Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club to manage their facilities. Troon Golf has built a reputation as a leader in upscale golf facilities with impeccable playing conditions and exceptional customer service. As a member of a Troon facility, you can take advantage of reduced rates at other Troon properties.

[wrendog]

wow.. that elim project is huge!

[delts145]

:previous:

What threw me is the style of the whole thing. It's like some kind of Spanish/Florentine dreamscape. Wow, and who would have thunk little ol Hurricane,Utah. Although, the surrounding scenery is perfect for something like this.Really incredible scenery...................

http://www.gorzow.mm.pl/~bebelebe/Virgin%20River%20and%20the%20Watchman,%20Zion%20National%20Park,%20Utah.jpg

[delts145]

Cingular to offer wireless with services in St. George

Cingular Wireless said has launched wireless service in the greater St. George area.
The company is selling service to customers with three locations operated by Spring Communications: Zion's Factory Outlet Mall, the Red Cliffs Mall and 1091 N. Bluff St.
Nine new cell sites, will provide coverage from I-15 into St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, Washington, Toquerville, LaVerkin and Hurricane, all in Washington County.
Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp., has 54.1 million customers, making it the largest wireless carrier in the U.S.

[delts145]

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/Web,-Housing2.jpg

St. George could soon be larger than Salt Lake proper!

[pdxman]

Boy, thats not the st.george i remember seeing...my first time driving through st.george i remember saying "people live HERE!" i couldn't believe it was so popular. I likened it to a giant gravel pit with a highway running through it. But, this picture makes it look quite beautiful even a little like the provo and salt lake areas.

[delts145]

Posting error, will post later.

[I-15]

Hey Delts,
Looking at your map of the St. George Metro got me thinking...
I've heard talk about a Beltway around St. George being built?
Does anyone have a map or info on where it is planned to run?

[delts145]

Friday, November 17, 2006

End of session in D.C. is a problem for S. Utah growth measure

By Suzanne Struglinski
Deseret Morning News

WASHINGTON — Environmentalists aren't the only opponents to a controversial piece of public lands legislation that supporters say balances development and conservation in fast-growing Washington County.
Time appears the biggest hurdle for the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act of 2006 as the congressional schedule is rapidly coming to a close. If it does not pass by the end of the session, set for sometime in December, it would have to be reintroduced next year and take more time to get through — which would suit the bill's opponents just fine.
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, told the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee on Thursday that the bill must pass to manage the growing population in Washington County within the region's public lands and resources. He said water developments, transmission lines and highways cross public lands, making it hard for future development planning.
"The federal government must play a significant and active role in securing the future and continued viability of these areas," Bennett said. "And that is why this legislation is so critical."
The bill would sell 24,300 acres in two phases, Bennett said. Proceeds from the sale would fund conservation projects within Washington County. It also designates 219,725 acres as wilderness, including some in Zion National Park, designates utility corridors and trails for off-highway vehicles, among other items.
"This bill has been mischaracterized substantially," Bennett said, saying there is no need to listen to those who want to push the bill off or not have it go through this year. "There is nothing we will learn next year that we don't already know."
Bennett emphasized that he patterned the bill after similar bills introduced by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., which helped manage land in Nevada's Clark and Lincoln counties.
"These bills show that you can strike a successful balance between conservation measures and economic development initiatives, while protecting both the public lands and the communities that depend on them," Bennett told the subcommittee.
Washington County Commissioner Alan Gardner explained how the county is growing rapidly with 1,000 new residents coming in a month.
"It is a formidable task to try to balance the preservation of special places, while at the same time assuring that growth will be accommodated in a visionary manner that provides and maintains a high quality of life," Gardner said. "Utah needs this bill."
He said it would "establish policies that will allow us to develop a vision for the future, and then gives us the tools to accomplish the various elements of that vision."
But the bill's opponents, who say the bill favors development and sells taxpayers short, see nothing but a bleak future if the bill would pass.
Peter Metcalf, CEO of Black Diamond Equipment and a director of the Outdoor Industry Association in Salt Lake City, told the subcommittee that the bill "falls short of truly protecting our public lands and balancing the needs of the region."
The bill's proposed land sales would make preserving open space and allowing for "close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities" even harder, Metcalf said. He also feels the bill leaves out many local forests, canyons and landscapes from federal protection.
Metcalf objects to the precedent being set by letting proceeds from the land sales going to fund local projects when it is American taxpayer money.
Subcommittee Chairman Larry Craig, R-Idaho, said listening to the testimony makes it sounds like they are talking about two different bills. But he supported joining together issues that would normally be addressed in separate bills.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., asked "what's the rush?" She was concerned over the precedents the bill would set and reminded the subcommittee that wilderness bills for Washington have gone back and forth between the House and Senate without ever getting passed by both in the same session.
The House still needs to approve its version introduced by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah. There was a hearing in September on the bill.


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[delts145]

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Beaver County: Mighty winds attract proposal
Planners grant permits for electricity-generating wind farm in southern Utah

By Mark Havnes
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:11/20/2006


BEAVER - The vast open spaces and persistent wind in northern Beaver County have lured a Massachusetts company with plans for a $400 million electricity-generating wind farm.
Representatives of UPC Wind Management LLC of Newton, Mass., met last week with the planning and zoning commission of this southwestern Utah county to ask for a conditional land-use permit to build the first phase on 16,000 acres about 8 miles northeast of Milford.
Given assurances the project would not close any lands or roads or interfere with grazing rights, the planning commission voted unanimously to grant the permit.
Krista Kisch, business development director for the company, said thelocation, on public and private land, is perfect for the project.
"The Milford Valley creates a funnel effect that produces a great wind resource," she told the planning commission.
The first and largest phase of the two-phase project will require 80 towers that will stand 420 feet each from the tower base to the tip of the blades, she said.
Each will generate 2.5 mega watts of power, or enough for roughly 60,000 households.
The first phase will generate 320 megawatts of power, with an additional 80 megawatts coming from a later phase that would include a sliver of Millard County.
Kisch said the company, which also operates a 30-megawatt wind farm on Maui, also will build transmission towers to carry a 345-kilovolt line to a substation at the Intermountain Power Project 90 miles to the north near Delta.
Now that the permits are granted, the company will start selling the power to different utilities, including Rocky Mountain Power.
The first phase of the project could employ up to 100 workers and about a dozen full-time maintenance people.
Dave Cowan, UPC Wind Management's vice president for environmental affairs, said that in a volatile energy market, wind is competitive with fossil fuels.
Each windmill will contain four generators, so if one goes down it could still run at 75 percent of full capacity, he said.
Margaret Oler, spokeswoman for Rocky Mountain Power, said the utility currently buys wind-generated electricity from wind farms in Wyoming and one on the Oregon and Washington state line.
The company also allows customers to buy 100 kilo-hours of electricity from renewable sources. An extra $2 a month is added to such bills for further research into renewable sources.
Brian Harris, administrative assistant with Beaver County, figures the wind project could bring $1 million a year to the county in taxes and royalties.

[delts145]

Here's one in St. George.


http://www.azdot.gov/CCPartnerships/Roundabouts/images/UT_StGeorge202.jpg

[delts145]

SkyWest to fly 12 jets for Delta

By Dave Anderton
Deseret Morning News
SkyWest Inc. on Tuesday said it has been selected by Delta Air Lines to fly 12 regional jets from Delta's hub in Cincinnati.
St. George-based SkyWest competed for the regional jet-flying rights, beating a bid by Delta's wholly owned subsidiary, Comair, which currently operates the 70-seat aircraft and is in bankruptcy.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The deal increases the number of regional jet aircraft flown by SkyWest for Delta to 228, along with 24 turboprop aircraft.
Michael J. Kraupp, vice president of finance and assistant treasurer for SkyWest Inc., credits the win over Comair to SkyWest's better cost structure in operating the aircraft and the airline's ability to execute.
"The majors are looking for those that can be very competitive on this front," Kraupp said. "The execution risk is obviously very low and very good with SkyWest, because we're able to do what we say we'll do. Our bids are very solid, and we offer up costs that are very competitive."
Kraupp said SkyWest has not yet determined which of its subsidiaries — SkyWest Airlines, based in St. George, or ASA, based in Atlanta — will operate the 12 aircraft.
Scheduling and routes are yet to be determined, Kraupp said, but likely will be similar to Comair's existing routes.
Anthony L. Black, a spokesman with Delta, said SkyWest's bid was the most cost competitive and met the needs of Delta's regional network. He said Delta customers would not see any impact from the change.
SkyWest will begin operating the aircraft in February 2007.
"Comair is obviously disappointed by today's development," Comair spokeswoman Kate Marx told the Associated Press. "However, as long as we are unable to complete our restructuring, we face the very real risk of further reductions to our fleet."
The SkyWest announcement made Tuesday was the first of several Delta is expected to make. Delta announced in August it was seeking bids for flying opportunities for up to 143 of its regional jets. Black said the rest of the bids should be awarded by the end of the year.
Systemwide, SkyWest Inc. serves approximately 231 cities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, with approximately 2,427 daily departures.

[delts145]

By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News

ST. GEORGE — St. George ranked first out of 138 small metropolitan areas in the 2006 annual "most secure areas to live" survey commissioned by the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies.
"It's good news. It seems like no matter what list is out there, we're on it," said St. George Mayor Dan McArthur, who is serving his fourth term in office. "People are finding out what we already knew. St. George is a great place to live and raise a family."
The rankings, compiled by Bert Sperling, a database expert with bestplaces.net, were based on crime rates, environmental hazards, terrorism threats, unemployment rates, job growth and the potential for extreme weather conditions for 379 communities around the nation.
"The job growth in St. George has apparently been hitting on all cylinders, and the crime rate is still very low," Sperling said in a telephone interview. "Basically, it looks like St. George has really been discovered over the last few years. We're certainly seeing it (St. George) more and more in our studies."
Washington County's phenomenal growth over the past few years has brought many challenges to residents and community leaders alike, McArthur said.
"I think there are pluses and minuses to being on lists like these," he said. "It indicates to me that the city is safe, managed well, and it reassures residents that we're working hard. I just didn't want everybody to say it so loud."
St. George Police Chief Marlon Stratton was pleased with the rating.
"It's good for me to hear this. It shows what we're doing is making a difference," said Stratton. "I believe we're successful because of the outstanding collaboration we have from some of our citizens. It's not just the police anymore."
The St. George Police Department assigns officers to patrol specific sections in the city for a one-year period. Each officer is expected to meet with residents and solve problems unique to the assigned area.

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[delts145]

http://www.travelagentelectronic.com/112204/article_images/TAEE4704LV01.jpg

Brian Head Ski Resort: an existing ski area in southern Utah with a major expansion planned, including a new private golf/ski club community. Peterson Economics completed a market and financial analysis for Brian Head, seeking to determine: (1) what expansions the ski area should complete; (2) what is the highest and best use of six existing ski-in/ski-out development parcels around the resort; and (3) what is the highest and best use for a 1,700-acre parcel adjacent to the resort that could be developed to include a private golf club and private or semi-private ski hill. The landowner is working in conjunction with Lowe Enterprises, and asked Lowe to bring in the nation’s top resort land planner and top market analyst. Lowe selected Hart Howerton as the land planner and Peterson Economics as the market analyst.



Related News/The St.George Spectrrum:


Interconnect is good move

With more than 10 years of negotiation and the settling of a couple of lawsuits all squared away, Brian Head Ski Resort is set to draw the ski industry away from the northern part of the state with an approved interconnect between Navajo and Giant Steps mountains.

The development agreement created between the town and the resort outlines $900,000 that Brian Head Town will pay for the skier bridge across state Route 143 with Brian Head Ski Resort investing about $8 million generated from sales tax revenue. No longer will the winter sport enthusiasts have to take a shuttle between the slopes; they can ski non-stop on all 50 runs. The improvements include two new chair lifts and snow-making infrastructure sure to entice more skiers and snowboarders to the resort in more than a decade since the last upgrades were made.

The relentless commitment to the continued development of the resort is commendable and more than likely a part of the first phase in a proposed expansion in a 10-year plan that eventually could include an 18-hole golf course, a lodge and 1,300 high-end housing units in a new exclusive resort community called Alpine Creek. Compromise wasn't easily achieved in either of the endeavors and there may have been times that all parties involved wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits. However, patience and perseverance were worth it considering the resort was selected as the only ski/snowboard resort in the United States to be honored as a "Top 10 Getaway for Family Travelers." It was definitely a cause not to be abandoned because there was an obvious niche the resort carved out for itself.

Building upon that asset, and the $3.5 million the resort contributes to Iron County's economy each year, by providing better access to a great winter vacation venue with 540 skiable acres was a wise business and economic development decision, not only for Brian Head but for Iron County. Especially considering its unique qualities as a safe, friendly and relaxed atmosphere with no-waiting lift lines, spacious and uncrowded slopes, and free skiing and snowboarding for kids ages 5 and under.
Beyond that distinct appeal, the resort additionally offers snow tubing, snow biking, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, spa treatments, dining, and many cross-country skiing opportunities, which are all receiving increased popularity as a drive destination for Las Vegas, Southern California, Southern Utah and Arizona residents.

An October 2004 analysis from the research firm of Peterson Economics reported that, at build-out, the new resort community called Alpine Creek would generate $11.8 million in tax revenue for Iron County - more than half of the $21.9 million the county received from property owners that same year. The interconnect will definitely make that report's findings more feasible. What is more noteworthy is that the interconnect between the two mountain ranges is bridging more than just skiing terrain, it is creating a combination of longer stays for visitors while eventually adding more high-paying jobs at the resort.

That's an impact from the interconnect, tentatively proposed to be completed in time for the 2007-2008 ski season, that is a benefit to all of the area residents as it elevates the quality and standard of living. Then the boasting rights to being the ski resort with the state's highest base elevation at 9,600 feet can include being a main attraction that brings a certain economic advantage to Southern Utah.

[delts145]

http://www.mthollyclub.com/images/hdr_news.jpg

http://www.mthollyclub.com/images/HollyLarge_news1.jpg

http://www.surgent.net/highpoints/ut/utbanner2.jpg

Beaver County planners give initial OK to private ski resort

The Associated Press
BEAVER -- Developers won conceptual approval for a gated ski-resort community with million-dollar homes and have six months to submit blueprints, engineering and environmental studies.

"We're happy to be moving forward," said Craig Burton, a principal for CPB Development LC of Holladay, who is managing the project for a group of unidentified investors.

The investors plan to turn bankrupt Elk Meadows ski area, which closed four years ago, into a private club with a Jack Nicklaus-commissioned golf course and other development totaling $3.5 billion -- seven times the total property value of rural Beaver County.

Elk Meadows, 18 miles east of Beaver, is a collection of private parcels inside national forest land where the wind-swept peaks of the Tushar mountain range top 12,000 feet in elevation.

Burton said he was offering to buy out owners of about 65 condominiums at Elk Meadows and wanted to demolish their units for expensive mountain homes. He said he also has secured rights to some 600 acres of private land around nearby Puffer Lake to add to the 1,400-acre ski area.

The Beaver County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to give initial approval Wednesday to the proposed Mount Holly Club.

The approval came with a laundry list of conditions, including studies of water availability, wildlife habitat and transportation before planners said they'd vote on whether to endorse the development. The Beaver County Commission will have the final say on whether the resort can be built.

Condo owners and Beaver residents are upset they won't get to use the new ski area. They'd have to pay hefty fees and millions of dollars for a mountain home to join the club.

"I don't want to see it," said Clay Thorton of Midvale, one of the Elk Meadows condo owners. "It's our little piece of paradise and now we're getting fenced out."

"For 35 years this has been a public ski resort," said Alan Bradshaw of Salt Lake City, who argued that terms of an original lease for the ski area required it to stay open to the public.

County Attorney Von Christiansen said that dispute would be up to a court to decide.

Claudia Condor, water-rights administrator for Rocky Mountain Power owner PacifiCorp, said the utility was worried that development could cut flows to its hydropower plant in Beaver Canyon.

"These are large issues and we want to go on record as having concerns," Condor said.

Planning Commissioner Dennis Miller, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said developers "must do it right or not at all. We need an environmental plan, including a water study."

[delts145]

http://www.cedar-city-utah.com/images/cedar_city_utah.jpg

Vegas retirees placing their bets on Cedar City
By Mark Havnes
The Salt Lake Tribune


CEDAR CITY - They're trading neon lights for quieter nights, blistering sun for balmier fun, a garish Strip for a muted Main and blackjack tables for redrock canyons.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Cedar_City_Utah_02.jpg/600px-Cedar_City_Utah_02.jpg


Yes, more and more Las Vegas residents are finding it a safe bet to move to southwestern Utah. So many seem to be relocating - though there are no exact numbers - that Cedar City could be dubbed Nevada North.
That influx is changing Iron County - more homes, more condos, more traffic, more money.
Real estate agent Jennifer Davis says Vegas buyers have created a robust housing market in Cedar City (population 25,000 and counting). So far this year, about 40 of her clients have been Vegas area retirees who can afford a nice place in Cedar City and still have plenty left to stash in the bank.
"They are still real active and like mountain biking, skiing, fishing and visiting the national parks.," she says, noting that many move-ins became familiar with the area by skiing at Brian Head, attending the Utah Shakespearean Festival or visiting the nearby national parks and monuments.
All this activity has boosted the median home price to about $215,000.
Patty and Don Stockwell moved to Cedar City from Vegas in October.
"We have a lot of friends here who . . . like it because it is a quiet, friendly town," she says. "There are a lot fewer people, and it seems they have a lot more time."
Besides the draw of a more-relaxed lifestyle, the couple also wanted to escape Vegas' searing temperatures.
"My husband was in construction and worked outside all the time in the heat," Patty Stockwell says, "and we wanted to get away from that."
Nowhere is the Vegas invasion more apparent than at Brian Head, a resort town 27 miles northeast of Cedar City, and it's going to become even more evident. During the next two to three years, more than 800 condominiums and homes are expected to be built.
One 72-condo project (with each unit going for about $400,000) already has been sold to Vegas residents who trek 200 miles to the resort town to ski in the winter and to dodge the desert heat in the summer.
Most new Brian Head units are secondary, not primary, homes, explains Town Councilman Kent Kroneman.
Either way, the population leap has brought bustle to the normally laid-back resort, which soon may see even more skier visits, Kroneman says, with the town pumping $900,000 into an interconnect project to join the two ski mountains.
"You used to have five bars and one police [officer]," he says, "and now it's one bar with five police officers."
What makes the Vegas crowd tolerable to locals is the cash they are willing to cough up on everything from "Brianberry" pies at the deli to pricey sweaters at ski shops and enticing entrees at restaurants.
"We say, 'Keep Utah green. Bring Nevada cash,' " Kroneman says.
Councilman Hans Schwab moved from Vegas to Brian Head more than two years ago but still has a house in his hometown.
"Like me, most [Vegas folks] just want to get away from it all - for a while," he says.
Some just get away for college. Southern Utah University, with 7,000 full-time students, is a magnet for high school graduates from the Vegas area.
Admissions Director Stephen Allen cites Nevada as SUU's top feeder state - after Utah.
"When I meet families thinking of sending a child to SUU, many have heard of the school from having a summer home in the area or a place at Brian Head or word of mouth," he says.
These Nevada students bring "a sense of diversity that benefits the college experience," Allen adds.
Cedar City takes the whole Vegas influx in stride.
It's inevitable, Mayor Gerald Sherratt shrugs. "I don't know of a way to stop it."
Especially given the spotlight being focused on his city. The February 2006 issue of Where to Retire magazine highlighted Cedar City, and a 2002 edition listed it among eight ideal "sun-and-ski" areas, along with Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Steamboat Springs, Colo.
"In the past, the mind-set here was that people just came to see the parks and move on," he says.
No more. The precise number of Vegas residents relocating to Cedar City is hard to pin down, Sherratt says, noting that Iron County's population swelled by 6.4 percent last year, twice the state's rate and second only to neighboring Washington County.
"I get calls every now and then from people who want to limit the growth," Sherratt says. "Many of the complaints are from newcomers who want to close the gate now that they are here."
mhavnes@sltrib.com

[delts145]

SkyWest Airlines expansion leads to increased recruiting
http://www.skywest.com/contact/images/contactG.jpg

ST. GEORGE — SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest Inc., said Wednesday it will host recruiting sessions throughout the country as it tries to fill positions for 2007.
The company, which will celebrate its 35th year in June, last week announced a code share with Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines to begin service in April.
The airline has hired 4,000 employees this year and operates more than 1,600 daily flights as a Delta Connection and United Express carrier.
The company will recruit flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents and mechanics. It will post details at www.skywest.com/careers/.

[SLC Projects]

SkyWest Airlines expansion leads to increased recruiting
http://www.skywest.com/contact/images/contactG.jpg

ST. GEORGE — SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest Inc., said Wednesday it will host recruiting sessions throughout the country as it tries to fill positions for 2007.
The company, which will celebrate its 35th year in June, last week announced a code share with Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines to begin service in April.
The airline has hired 4,000 employees this year and operates more than 1,600 daily flights as a Delta Connection and United Express carrier.
The company will recruit flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents and mechanics. It will post details at www.skywest.com/careers/.



That's good news. Adding more jobs and more flights will be good for the area.

[Utaaah!]

That's good news. Adding more jobs and more flights will be good for the area.

The article doesn't say the jobs will be in St. George. They're adding flights in the midwest. Other than perhaps some back office jobs, I'm guessing most of the new jobs (ramp agents, pilots, flight attendants, customer service, etc.) will be located out-of-state. Don't get me wrong -- I like to see home-grown businesses succeed, but the immediate benefits likely won't be as great as you intimate.

[delts145]

:tup: Well one thing is for sure. This only adds to the pressure to put in that new state-of-the-art airport in as soon as possible. I know they've overcome some major hurdles this year, but I'm not sure what their project development timeline is. SkyWest seems to be making some very positive strategic moves that are going to pay off big time as St. George continues to boom and completes it new airport.


By Paul Beebe
The Salt Lake Tribune

SkyWest Inc. has struck a deal to supply and fly as many as 25 regional jets for Midwest Airlines, a Milwaukee, Wis.-based specialty carrier, beginning in April.
The contract calls for SkyWest Airlines to provide a minimum of 15 and as many as 25 Canadair regional jets that will fly as Midwest Connect and carry Midwest colors. SkyWest also will provide crews and maintenance services for the 50-seat jets.
While financial terms were not disclosed, St. George-based SkyWest said Thursday the five-year deal will allow the company to diversify its business by adding another customer. Most of its revenue comes from flying for Delta Air Lines as Delta Connection and United Airlines as United Express. Delta is flying under bankruptcy protection. United exited bankruptcy earlier this year.
The contract also exposes SkyWest to a new part of the airline industry. Although Midwest offers a low-fare service, many customers pay extra for business-class seating, which includes roomy leather chairs and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, SkyWest chief financial officer Bradford Rich said.
Because SkyWest will operate the jets out of Midwest's hubs in Milwaukee and Kansas City, the St. George-based carrier is gaining a toehold in airports it doesn't already serve, Rich said.
"To us, it's a very big deal," he said. "Fifteen aircraft, on their own, is not that significant, relative to the total size of SkyWest Inc. But there's obviously more value to us than just the income that would be generated by the airplanes."
Midwest will take care of route planning, scheduling, marketing and sales for the new flights. The airline said the deal will allow it to add new destinations, increase flight frequencies on existing routes and upgrade several routes to jet service.
"We chose SkyWest because of their experience, their excellent record of operational performance and a commitment to customer service that mirrors that of Midwest," said Scott Dickson, chief marketing officer at Midwest.
The new contract comes one month after Delta chose SkyWest Inc. to take over some of the regional flying business operated by its Comair subsidiary. Delta is trying to cut expenses and return from bankruptcy next spring.
Beginning in February, Delta will shift the flying of 12 70-seat jets to SkyWest. The jets will be operated out of Comair's hub in Cincinnati. Delta is considering bids from SkyWest and other airlines to fly another 131 aircraft.
Those twin developments may require SkyWest to hire more than 300 new pilots during the next six months. Each aircraft needs nine pilots, Rich said.
The contract also follows a disclosure last week by AirTran Holdings Inc. that its $290 million offer for the parent company of Midwest was rejected. AirTran, which made the offer in October, said it would continue trying to buy the regional carrier, which wants to remain independent.
SkyWest Airlines provides an average of 1,208 daily departures for United and 454 departures for Delta.
On Tuesday, Delta filed a reorganization plan to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy next year.
At the same time, its board of directors formally rejected a merger bid from US Airways. Delta's westernmost hub in Salt Lake employs about 3,900 people.

[delts145]

Sand Hollow will debut as southern Utah's newest golf destination
Sand Hollow will feature 27 holes of golf, more than 1,700 residences, vacation villas, a spa and fitness center, and pools.

One of many views at site of new Hurricane/St.George mega resort
http://www.utahoutdoors.com/i/sand-hollow/sand-hollow-3.jpg
http://www.utahoutdoors.com/i/sand-hollow/sand-hollow-2.jpg


By PGA.com news services

---- The newest golf destination in southern Utah is rising amid red rock mountain views at the Sand Hollow Resort. Formal groundbreaking for the project is scheduled to take place later this year.

Golf at Sand Hollow Resort--Master Plan
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/golfmasterplan.gif

Located 15 minutes from St. George in the state's southwestern region, one of the country's fastest growing second-home markets, Sand Hollow Resort will feature 27 holes of golf at Sand Hollow Golf Club, more than 1,700 private residences, vacation villas, a spa and fitness center, and pools and water features.

Sand Hollow Resort Real Estate Site Plan
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/SHRSitePlan72s.gif

Water Park Amenities
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water3.jpg
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water4.jpg
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water7.jpg

Hot tubs,slides and a lazy river
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water9.jpg
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water1.jpg
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/water2.jpg
A water park, spanning 15 acres, will be created around resort's natural landscape and will include a modified lazy river, stair-stepping through a series of pools stretching from the top of the park through the villas to the resort entrance.

Sand Hollow Resort -- The Spa
You wake up early on a bright sunny day. You step outside and take a deep breath of clear air as you absorb the magnificent red rock surroundings. It is that moment of exhilaration that is the motivation for the experience we're creating for the Spa at Sand Hollow Resort. Our Spa will offer a seamless indoor-outdoor experience that will include spectacular views and luxurious facilities. Add pools of water, gracious attendents, and intimate settings for massages, body wraps, and signature treatments and our environment for pampering and soothing is complete.
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/DrawSpa2.jpg

Sand Hollow Golf Club will be a "sister course" to the highly acclaimed Thanksgiving Point, as both golf courses will managed by Vanguard Golf Management Group. Thanksgiving Point is best known as the site of the Nokia Champions Challenge, hosted by Johnny Miller, a two-day golf tournament featuring prominent PGA and LPGA Tour players.

The Sand Hollow courses will be designed by John Fought, who will create the 18-hole Championship Course and a separate nine-hole walking course. The layouts will incorporate ridgeline, canyon and elevation variations to create a challenging, yet memorable, golf experience.

The resort sits in close proximity to Sand Hollow State Park and Zion National Park. Access to Sand Hollow is via direct flights to St. George from Los Angeles or Salt Lake City, or a 90-minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

Equestrian and RV Center
http://www.sandhollowresort.com/images/equestrian2.jpg
Sand Hollow State Park -- With over 20,000 acres of lake, sand dunes, trails and campsites, the neighboring state park will be a vacationer's dream.
>Center Control Bldg. -- Management offices and restrooms are housed here.
>Horse Barns & Corrals -- Horse care and boarding facilities are located here.
>Sand Hollow Resort -- The resort boundary encompasses a hillside that descends to the Virgin River.
>Trail System -- An extensive trail system winds down the canyon wall and along the river bottom.
>OHV Access -- Off-highway vehicles are stored on this site to provide easy access to the nearby OHV trails.
>Separation -- The horse corrals and trails are separated from the RV storage and OHV trails. Horseback riders and ATVers each seek different recreational experiences.
>The Access Point -- The equestrian and RV center becomes a key access point for horseback riding and recreational OHV use for the entire recreational area, including other resorts.
>Virgin River Trails -- The trails along the river create a scenic and fun venue for hikers, bikers, runners and equestrians.
>Easy Evening Rides -- With the convenient boarding facilities next to trails, an evening ride was never quicker or easier.
>Horse Trails -- Quickly get saddled and get on a trail. No carting the horses to a distant location, it's all here


Sand Hollow is latest Hurricane golf dream

By Dick Harmon
Deseret Morning News

Maybe this gateway to Zions really is on the verge of exploding.
Folks around here are use to talk of more exotic golf courses, condos, big residential developments, parks and highways for years. But this time, on the heels of burgeoning growth in St. George, the fuse is finally lit.
City officials predict 60,000 people and six new golf courses will dot the landscape the next 20 years.
A few days ago, at a ground-breaking for Sand Hollow Resort, a development adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park and BLM sand dunes, you got the feeling earth would really move this time. Actually, it did.
About five years ago, I attended similar ceremonies not too far from this spot. The occasion was a press event for Outlaw Ridge, a proposed golf course somehow linked to the names of Johnny Miller and Steve Young. They did a great marketing plan because whenever you talk to people of a new golf course in Hurricane, the name Outlaw Ridge surfaces.
Outlaw Ridge remains somebody's dream.
Said Thomas Seneca, president of Sand Hollow Resort, "The difference between this and Outlaw Ridge is that this is actually going to be built."
Tom Hirschi, Hurricane mayor, is a believer. He's watched myriad groups come and go, and now he's seen a partnership forged by the Washington County Water Conservancy District, the state's institutional trust lands, the BLM, Hurricane City, Dixie regional power and even realignment of the proposed four-lane Southern Corridor highway in recent months, all to get Sand Hollow up and running.
Hirschi is a southern Utah mayor right out of central casting, a good ol' boy.
"Who'da thunk it?" Hirschi asked a group of a hundred gathered for ceremonies this past week.
"I can remember back in high school, going out chasing jack rabbits out here and you couldn't give this land away, even if all you had to do is pay back taxes. Now look at this," said Hirschi.
What he referred to is the proposed 27-hole golf course designed by former BYU All-American John Fought, who is fast becoming one of the country's most popular course designers.
Fought's course will wind its way around 900 acres of a resort that will include a water park, condos, houses, a hotel, a horse trail, tennis facility — all a stone's throw from Utah's mini Lake Powell — Sand Hollow State Park, one of the only places in Utah I know of where you can pull a boat, a camping trailer and four-wheelers used in attacking sand dunes right to the water's edge.
Fought, decked out in his construction garb, said the piece of property that lines the cliffs of the Virgin River and 35,000 acres of BLM land is one of the most spectacular properties he's seen. "I'm tickled to death to work on this," he said.
It's Fought's handiwork at the South Course at Gallery Golf Club near Tucson that attracted the PGA's marquee WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. His redesign of Pine Needles in North Carolina will host the 2007 U.S. Women's Open Championship.
Folks at Sand Hollow Resort, property owners like William Wilkey, Larry Belliston and developer Greg Jewkes set out to get the best course designer they could. Once Bellison, who's played all over the world, saw Fought's courses, he said, "We had to have him."
Fought will build an 18-hole championship course that he believes will rival any of his work. There will be a nine-hole walking course designed after St. Andrews in Scotland, complete with a Road Hole.
An agreement with the BLM for use of the land guarantees the golf course will be public forever. The course will be managed by Vanguard, headed by CEO Mark Whetzel of KSL-TV golf tip fame, director of golf at Thanksgiving Point.
Fought worked with Bob Cupp in designs at Oregon's Pumpkin Ridge (Best New Course Design by Golf Digest, 1995) and Cross Water in Sun River, Ore., site of the 2005 NCAA championships and numerous MWC tournaments and NCAA qualifying regionals.
Forrest Fezler, who works with Fought, is a 26-year PGA Tour veteran who finished second to Hale Irwin in the 1974 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, and he paused for a minute during his construction duties at Fought's southern Utah design.
"This property is spectacular," Fezler said. "It will be the kind of course where you will play a hole, be overwhelmed at what you see and can't wait to get to the next hole, just to see what's up next, again and again."
Felzer said he's not letting anyone but him build the par-3 No. 15 on the back nine that overlooks the Virgin River, hundreds of feet below, where lies an old pioneer cotton mill and a pecan orchard. It's a tee shot that faces beautiful rock outcroppings 35 feet below to the green. "It will be as good a hole as Cypress Point's No. 16," Felzer said.
Fought explained the rock formations, the typography and setting in this area will compare favorably to "anything in the western part of the United States."
The attraction is obvious. That's why Hirschi and his high school buddies escaped here in the early 60s, long after these grounds were a gathering place for American Indians thousands of years ago.
Six golf courses in Hurricane?
Jack rabbits, beware. Hurricane is halfway there.
Coral Canyon and Sky Mountain already exist.


Golf Magazine:
Sand Hollow Golf Resort—Living and Golfing in a Southern Utah Paradise
By Chance Cook

“We’re trying to make certain we have the best northern course and the best southern course in the state, and we’re pretty excited about it,” said Vanguard Golf Management Director of Golf, Mark Whetzel. “The plan is to create synergy between the new Sand Hollow Golf Course and Thanksgiving Point Golf Course, both of which we manage.” Being the new kid in the neighborhood is always a bit hard especially when the project is about to steal other’s proverbial thunder—which is what the Sand Hollow Resort and Golf venture in Southern Utah may very well accomplish. Rumors have been flying about what will happen near the shores of Sand Hollow Reservoir just outside Saint George off Interstate I-15 and subsequently State Route 9, and here are some of the facts coming to light about this exciting development.

“The owners of the land contracted with us about two years ago, and we’ve actually been working on it to the point we are today—about two months away from groundbreaking,” Whetzel said. Vanguard Golf Management will manage this impressive venture that is bound to make more than a ripple. Think of it more as a tidal wave.

“I believe we have a great designer and that serious golfers are likely to be excited about playing on a course designed by John Fought,” Whetzel proudly states with a smile. “John in one of the top designers in the country right now, and probably his most famous project is the designing of Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon. He’s also designed The Gallery in Arizona which will be hosting the Accenture Match Play next year with fifty-four of the top players in the world.”

Sand Hollow Golf Course will feature twenty-seven holes of championship golf. Having a top designer on board definitely generates its own news, but having one who understands Utah, its players and the culture is simply the proverbial icing on the cake.

“John Fought’s Utah ties include playing for Brigham Young University back in the 70’s,” Wetzel said. “He won the 1977 U.S. Amateur Championship and also won two times on the PGA Tour.”

Not Just Another Golf Course?

Hardly. There’s much more to the Sand Hollow Resort than just golf.

“We want it to be a recreational paradise, meaning that you can live there or stay there,” continued Wetzel. “Not only can you play golf, but you can enjoy the spa/fitness facilities. Plus, the reservoir is just a hop, skip and a jump away with four-wheeling, boating and fishing. It’s going to be a phenomenal piece of property that is just going to blow everyone away in the state of Utah.”

Vacation villas, pools with water features, tennis courts, an 8,000 to 10,000 square foot Native American museum and over 1,800 private residences will spring up around the impressive and majestic course. Sand Hollow Resort will become one of Utah’s very few authentic golf resorts, one setting itself apart by offering a wide array of other recreational activities.

“The Homestead near Midway, UT, is about the only other resort that has accommodations and golf, but we have all the other amenities,” said Whetzel. “The plan right now is to break ground in the fall of this year, and actually do construction and start grow-in next summer of 2007 with a grand opening projected for spring of 2008.”

Public or Private?

Once completed, who will be welcome to enjoy this amazing place?

“It will be a public course,” said Whetzel, “and accessible to everybody. We’ll make sure our green fees are the same as the local courses nearby, such as Coral Canyon, and not too expensive but just right.”

According to Whetzel, guests will be able to experience a true link style course.

“A sneak peak for the golf course is definitely going to be a link style,” he said. “There are a lot of definitions for link style, but the true definition comes from Europe where the course is the land linked to the sea. In Sand Hollow, there is an area between the sea and the community of all sand and no trees where the golf course will be located—that is really what a true link style is.” It will have unimpeded views of the surrounding vistas that make this area so unique.

“That is what we’re going for here,” adds Whetzel. “It is surrounded by a lot of red rock and red sand, not a lot of trees—in fact, there won’t be any trees. It will be an upscale, resort link style with desert-scaping, very hard edges and extremely well manicured golf course.”

Without a doubt, the design of the course alone will set itself apart from the other fine courses located in and around St. George. “It will definitely be a resort golf course that is very player friendly, aesthetically magnificent with spectacular views,” said Whetzel. “We’ll have the capability to toughen it up if we want to host a regular tournament event but, right now, we want to make it accessible and very playable for the average golfer.”

Vanguard sees this venture as complementing what they’ve created in Lehi with Thanksgiving Point Golf Course. “Their peak season is our off season, and visa versa,” Wetzel said, “so we feel pretty fortunate that the two facilities will not compete against each other but will help each other.”

Past Success Supports New Resort Management

Whetzel understands that their past success with Thanksgiving Point was the reason they were chosen to manage Sand Hollow. “And our management philosophy is not going to change. They hired us because they like our service, our attitude and the way that we run and operate tournaments.”

Whetzel admits that Vanguard is a bit tight lipped about the specifics—perhaps that’s why the public wants to know more. But, he assures us, more information will be forthcoming.

“Right now we’re working hard on how we’re going to communicate who we are to the public,” he said. “Our soft launch will be at Thanksgiving Point at the Champions Challenge in about a month, and that’s really all we want to give out right now. Until we have our brand positioning statement finalized and know exactly what else we are going to do, that sums up who we are and what we’re all about at this moment.”

Even without the juicy details, anyone familiar with the project knows what an exciting recreational opportunity is on its way to fruition on the shores of Sand Hollow Reservoir.

“We are going away from just the golf course and encompassing a whole resort lifestyle. It’s similar to what you see in Arizona, Southern California and Las Vegas, and we’re bringing a little bit of that here to southern Utah,” Whetzel concludes with another smile.

All in due time.

[delts145]

Many jobs, little help

Growth in Dixie leads to employee shortage

http://p.vtourist.com/1448672-St_George_Utah-Saint_George.jpg


By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News
ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah's booming economy is producing more than profit for various business owners — it's also creating a serious shortage of qualified employees, according to information presented at the Washington County Economic Summit Wednesday in St. George.
"Our immediate challenge is the ability to hire and retain over 100 employees needed for our start-up operation," said Bill Wright, vice president of Viracon Inc., a commercial glass fabrication business now building a massive factory in the Ft. Pierce Industrial Park.
"With the low unemployment rate here, it's a real challenge."
More than 850 people registered for the sold-out event held yearly at the Dixie Center. Presentations included updates on a local planning effort called Vision Dixie, sessions on commercial and residential real estate and data culled from recent economic and demographic reports.
Also seeking employees is Milliken, a textile and chemical company that opened a plant in St. George last year, and St. George Truss Co. Inc., which is building a new facility on 20 acres in the Ft. Pierce Industrial Park.
According to Jeff Thredgold of Salt Lake-based Thredgold Economic Associates, unemployment in St. George was at a low 3.5 percent in 2005, while year-over-year job growth created an estimated 4,300 new jobs for a 10 percent increase. Estimates through the end of 2006 show job growth at 8.5 percent and unemployment at 2.6 percent, while 2007 is expected to show a slightly lower unemployment rate at 2.5 percent.
Washington County regional economist Lecia Parks Langston noted in her presentation that the area's population grew by 6 percent in 2006, putting the county in the number one spot on the Utah Populations Estimate Committee report.
The average wage is up about 10 percent for the first half of 2006, making it the highest expansion in wage growth measured in at least 25 years, Langston said.
Housing permits in the county were down 42 percent through the end of October 2006, with values also sliding 31 percent. Although the number of homes sold dropped by 30 percent from the third quarter of 2005 to the same quarter of 2006, Langston said the average home price continued to hover between $300,000 and $340,000.
Vardel Curtis, president of the Washington County Board of Realtors, said the slowdown in home sales is caused by hyper-inflated prices.
"The equalization in the market is a much-needed adjustment as it begins to right itself after years of unprecedented and unsustainable growth," Curtis said in his presentation on residential real estate.
Nonresidential construction, on the other hand, is posting strong gains and was up 57 percent through October 2006. Gross taxable sales were up 17 percent for the first half of 2006.


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[delts145]

At this rate,St.George proper could easily become the largest city in Utah within the next six to ten years.

http://i.a.cnn.net/money/.element/img/1.0/logos/cnnmoneydotcom_small.gif
Fastest-growing metro areas
St. George, Utah has added more people than any other area; Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Georgia has lost the most.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer



NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- St. George, Utah had the biggest gain in population in the United States during the past six years, according to a U.S. Census report.

The city in the southwestern corner of the state grew 31.6 percent to 118,885 between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2005. St. George nosed out the former leader, the Greeley, Colorado metro area, which has gained 26.6 percent over the same period.

A metropolitan area is defined as one that has a core urban area and a population of 50,000 or more.

Most of the fastest growers were medium to smaller metro areas and six of the top 10 were located west of the Mississippi. Only one of the four eastern cities in the top 10 - Raleigh, North Carolina - was outside Florida.

In sheer numbers, Atlanta has added more people, 669,699, than any other metro area. It grew by 15.8 percent during the period. Other big gainers included Dallas (657,957), Riverside-San Bernardino (655,133) and Phoenix (613,201).

Quite a number of places lost population. Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Georgia decreased 4.6 percent, a greater rate than any other metro area. Numerically, the biggest loser was Pittsburgh, where the population dropped 45,013.

The Census Bureau also published stats for micropolitan areas, those with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. Palm Coast, Florida, is the fastest growing of these places; it gained 53.3 percent.

Losing the highest percentage of its population was Pecos, Texas, which dropped 11.4 percent.

[jedikermit]

I wonder if St George will ever do anything to try and create more density in town, or if they'll just keep sprawling all over the place. I'm down there about four times per year, and there's not a whole lot going on for the Fastest Growing Metro Area in the country. A lot of sprawl, yes. But not a whole lot happening in what should be their "downtown" area.

[delts145]

:previous:
I haven't checked it out yet, but didn't St. George just complete a major overhaul and beautification of St. George Blvd., running throught the heart of the historical commericial downtown?

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/EcDev/ec.dev.top..jpg

Why Locate in
St. George/Washington County, UT?

A VIABLE ECONOMY

Washington County continues to be one of the fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area in the nation and growth continues at historical levels.

Job growth far outpaces both the nation and the state, while unemployment remains low.

Retail sales continue to soar… enjoying double digit percentage increases annually.

Commercial and residential construction and home sales continue strong.

St. George consistently ranks in the top ten among lists of the best places to live and it was recently ranked as the second best city in the nation for business.



Washington County is definitely the bright spot of Utah’s economy.



Here’s why: BIG DRAWS FOR BUSINESS

A highly productive, dependable labor force of more than 60,000 workers with diverse skills is the primary reason why the business climate is so great in Washington County.

n addition: the greater St. George area features a mild, snow-free climate; redundant fiber optic voice and data communications; interstate transportation; proactive, business-friendly government and a 4-year accredited state college in a recreational paradise offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Lifestyle, low cost of living and doing business, fully improved infrastructure, work force and climate put all the elements in place for a resilient economic future for new and existing businesses in the St. George area. Washington County enjoys a diverse, ever growing and robust economy. Electrical rates and worker compensation insurance costs are two elements that provide significant operating savings for local companies.

The Washington County Economic Development Council (WCEDC) is an active participant in support of value-added businesses. The county continues to see increases in employment from these industries as manufacturers, customer service centers, back office operations, distribution facilities and high-tech companies expand or relocate to the area.

The synergy of supportive local government, plus skilled design and construction teams, allow a company to go from concept to completion in the shortest time possible. New facilities are brought from the drawing board to production regularly in a matter of just a few months.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11.29.06
AllBusiness.com Announces “Best Metros for Women Entrepreneurs;” St George ranks # 1 in Metros from 75,000 to 150,000 for women seeking to start and grow a small to mid-size business. Click here for full report.


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A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

NEW REGIONAL AIRPORT

St. George is currently well-served by SkyWest Airlines with daily non-stop flights to Los Angeles (2) and Salt Lake City (8) with connections to all major cities. The completion of the planned new airport will enhance even further Washington County’s aviation services.

The replacement airport is moving toward a 2010 completion. The Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored Environmental Impact Statement has been completed and construction could begin as soon as 2007. The new airport will provide safer, more convenient air travel. Jerry Atkin, CEO of SkyWest Inc., which is headquartered in St. George said, “A jet-capable airport allows us to serve destinations further away than we are capable of today.”

HIGH-TECH SMART SITES

TONAQUINT CENTER

A landing place for high-tech businesses, the business park is a designated “Utah Smart Site.” The Center provides upscale office space for a blend of high-tech development and technology-based companies including Steton Technology, Allconnect, the Washington County Board of Realtors, the Five County Association of Governments corporate office and headquarters for the Huntsman World Senior Games. Plans for the park envision 24 building sites on 66 acres with nearly 600,000 square feet of building space. All buildings will be equipped with redundant fiber optic access to the Internet with speeds of up to 45 Mbps.

Located in a worker-friendly environment, the Tonaquint Center is situated near the city trail system, parks, sports facilities and a nature center. Marketed by Stone Cliff Properties, Inc. For more information call Stan Perkins (435) 673- 8033.

WASHINGTON COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL PARKS
FT. PIERCE INDUSTRIAL PARK

Fort Pierce Industrial Park is St. George’s newest and most active industrial park. It is currently home to more than 50 local businesses including Deseret Labs, The Spectrum, Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Quality Excavation, Wilding Wall Beds, Bomatic, Slater Transfer and Storage and many others. Within the next several months there will be announcements by a few local companies of extensive expansion or relocation plans and also another new manufacturing plant that will be adding approximately 50 jobs to the local economy.

St. George has been discovered by many of the key site selection companies nationwide and Fort Pierce Industrial Park has played a major role in that happening. Ft. Pierce Industrial Park is serviced by Dixie Escalante Power and offers the most favorable electrical power rates in the West. The over-all package of low power rates, competitive workers’ compensation insurance, the close proximity to the new proposed airport and quick access to major highway systems leading to key population centers in the West makes it difficult for the site selection companies to ignore Fort Pierce Industrial Park.

The recent robust activity of land sales and leasing over the last two years has lowered the vacancy factor in the park to less than 2%. From the number of new building plans being approved, the park will be seeing a sizeable amount of “for lease” space becoming available. This will help satisfy the current pent-up demand for this type of space.

Ft. Pierce Industrial Park is marketed by Commerce CRG, a member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance. Phone: 435-673-7111

GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL PARK

The 400-acre Gateway Business Park located on I-15 and SR 9 in Hurricane is home to the 1.2 million square-foot Wal-Mart Distribution Center. The Orgill Company has a 520,000 square-foot Distribution Center to serve their western customers. Other occupants include DATS Trucking, Winkle Bottling and Mikohn Gaming.

New businesses are coming to the Gateway almost every month. Boulevard Furniture’s 28 acre, state of the art warehouse facility recently opened for operation. The Gateway is fully developed with all utilities in place. The pre-planning and zoning allows for speedy building permits.

Marketed by Winding River Realty Utah-435-703-5011
.
RETAIL OUTLOOK FOR THE COUNTY

With some of the highest growth rates in the nation (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2004) and annual visitors numbering in the millions, the St. George area is developing into the primary metropolitan area for all of Southern Utah. The trade area services multiple outlying areas and goes far beyond the borders of Washington County.

Although the county’s population exceeds 140,000, the primary trade area in 2003 was estimated at 230,781 and is forecast to reach 303,346 by 2012. The trade area extends to the south and includes the Nevada communities of Glendale, Overton and Mesquite and part of the Arizona strip; northern reaches include the towns of Beaver and Fillmore; to the east, rural communities along Highway 89 including Kanab and Fredonia, Ariz., rely on St. George and Washington cities for most amenities. Washington County’s placement in the Southwest adds a large and growing component of retirees with significant assets.

Retail growth has been robust with the influx of multiple national retailers including 2 Super Wal-Mart’s, Lowe’s, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Costco, and Big Lots. Many others are currently in development or are evaluating the market.

According to the Utah State Tax Commission, gross taxable sales for the fourth quarter 2003 were $434 million, an 11.9 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

Retail sales greater than Utah communities four times the size of Washington County mean visitors and residents alike have responded favorably to a greater variety of shopping options.
Contributed by Kemp Griffin Commercial Real Estate 435-688-8886.

Go to Sites for more information about new developments...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


RETAIL & DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK FOR NEIGHBORING CITIES

HURRICANE CITY

McNeil Development of Idaho Falls, Idaho has purchased approximately 2,300 acres in the Hurricane area and is currently beginning the project-planning phase. With a destination resort community and approximately 300 acres of commercial being planned, there will be many exciting business opportunities available in the future. They can be contacted at 1-208-524-3341 x13

IVINS CITY

The Smart Site at Tuacahn Performing Arts Center opened to the public in May 2003. The site is a joint venture between Tuacahn High School, the Learn Key Corporation, Ivins City and the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development. The purpose of the site is to provide a venue where both students and other members of the community can learn new computer skills and upgrade existing ones. Training is done on a self-paced basis and employs LearnKey training software including independent courses on Word, Excel, Power Point, Illustrator and Page Maker among others.

For more information, call 435-652-3201 or visit www.tuacahn.onlineexpert.com

SANTA CLARA CITY

Santa Clara City is stepping ahead by turning the clock back. It is capitalizing on the unique environment of its historic main street. Already known as an oasis with cool shade, a new streetscape design will firmly capture the respite appeal that always has welcomed visitors to Santa Clara.

Recognizing the opportunity, local merchants have begun to set up shop in several historic homes along tree-lined Santa Clara Drive. Others are poised to follow. The new streetscape design (beginning implementation in fall of 2006) will further enhance the Historical District by adding brick-lined paths, more trees and flowering plants, historical markers, kiosks highlighting self-directed tours, new street lighting, park benches, designated pedestrian crossings and separate biking paths.

This ambitious project ensures that for years to come you will be able to take a break from your busy life by visiting, shopping, recreating or living in Santa Clara.

For more information about business in Santa Clara’s historical district or business opportunities in the commercial area on the city’s east end, call (435) 673-6712 or visit www.santaclaracityutah.com .

[jedikermit]

Yeah, they have. And there have been infrastructure improvements, trying to keep pace with the numbers; I guess I'm thinking more in terms of centralization. Building the core of the city. Skyscrapers, commercial space IN St. George, not spread out from St G to Ivins, Hurricane, etc...right now it feels like a succession of strip malls and parking lots covering up some absolutely gorgeous scenery.

[SLC Projects]

"At this rate,St.George proper could easily become the largest city in Utah within the next six to ten years."

That would be crazy to think that St. George could be bigger then salt lake city. But yea with that kind of growth St. George needs to start building up. Let's get some highrise in their downtown. If P.G. and Lehi can do it then S.G, sure the hell can. :tup:
There's my 2 cents.

[wrendog]

6-10 years bigger than SLC?

if they are basing that off of the 118,000 number than that's no good.. the 118k is METRO population.. the city is still at 65k or so

[jedikermit]

I also wonder if there isn't a built-in limit on growth...they're already exhausting the available water down there...

Then again, Las Vegas. :shrug:

[delts145]

http://www.anasaziplateau.com/assets/images/santafe.jpg
Sante Fe/Kayenta
Constructed with a contemporary Santa Fe modification. Flat roof-line works well on slopes or in the creation of multi-level homes. Principal exterior components of glass, natural stone and richly shaded stucco.


http://www.anasaziplateau.com/assets/images/rustic.jpg
Rustic Resort
Designed in the tradition of the classic western resorts. Elements of design melt into the landscape. Tile roof above heavy natural stone walls. Principal exterior components of glass, natural stone, cedar and tile.


http://www.anasaziplateau.com/assets/images/modified.jpg
Modified Santa Fe
Constructed with a tile roof and exterior of natural stone and stucco. Santa Fe styled parapets accent the lines of the home. principal exterior componets of glass, natural stone, deeply shaded stucco and tile roofing.

[delts145]

http://www.chambercedarcity.org/getImage.php?file=main1&page=default

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Cedar_City_Utah_01.jpg/220px-Cedar_City_Utah_01.jpg

For the second time in a year, Where To Retire Magazine has recognized Cedar City as being one of their best picks for retirees. In their recent February “Best Choices” issue, the Magazine recognizes Cedar City as one of their “Five Best Budget Towns To Retire.”

The magazine, which is geared towards helping people with their retirement decisions, profiled five towns that give residents the most bang for their retirement buck. The towns were selected based upon the myriad of perks and amenities offered at a lower cost than many communities. Where To Retire editors chose the following top five locations as the picks for best budget towns, including Crossville, TN; Columbia, SC; Mount Dora, FL; Sussex County, DE; and Cedar City, Utah.

According to the Where To Retire editor, Mary Lu Abbott, these budget locations offer retirees outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, cultural events and a well rounded lifestyle with costs of living below the national average. According to Abbott, Cedar City was selected because “it’s a haven for lovers of the arts and outdoors with access to an array of national parks as well as the Utah Shakespearean Festival at Southern Utah University.”

“We received the call a few months ago that we were in the running for the Best Choices Issue,” said Maria Twitchell, director of the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center, “I think it’s great to be recognized again by this well known publication.”

Where To Retire magazine was created as a means in helping readers find the ideal place to retire. Now published six times a year, the magazine covers the best retirement regions, towns and master planned communities across the globe and has a national circulation of 220,000. Cedar City was spotlighted in a 10 page feature in their 2006 January/February edition and was selected as one the magazine’s “Top 8 Ski Towns” back in 2004.

[delts145]

NEW REGIONAL
AIRPORT

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/EcDev/airport.jpg

This replacement airport will provide safer, more convenient air travel and will allow for economic growth and prosperity. Its estimated completion is 2011. Jerry Atkin, Chairman and CEO of SkyWest Airlines which has its headquarters in St. George, says that “A jet capable airport allows us to serve destinations further away than we are capable of today.” This new airport which will accommodate larger planes will bring a general upgrading to the community and to the types of jobs that are available. “A new airport is absolutely a key ingredient in being able to advance the area’s economy in a positive manner,” states Scott Hirschi, Director, Washington County Economic Development Council.

St. George's new airport will include a new 9,300-foot runway large enough to allow scheduled commercial jet airlines and business jets to fly into St. George for the first time. The airport will be a state-of-the-art facility, which will handle twice as many passengers as the existing airport. The new runway will have the latest in lighting systems and navigation technology

[SLC Projects]

NEW REGIONAL
AIRPORT

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/EcDev/airport.jpg



That Airport looks cool in that rendering.

[wrendog]

that is a sexy airport... will it have Jetways?

[delts145]

:tup: :tup: Beautiful New St. George Library Built With Authentic Charm and Style of the Past.


Elder Holland dedicates Washington County library

By Shaun D. Stahle
Deseret Morning News
ST. GEORGE — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who, as an elementary-age student, was grateful that the library was strategically located across the street from the Thomas Judd general store, returned to his native city of St. George Monday to dedicate a newly constructed Washington County Library.

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/3830709.jpg
Shaun D. Stahle, Deseret Morning NewsThe ribbon was cut Monday for the $5 million Washington County Library, which has the same style as neighboring Old Dixie Academy.

Introduced by Douglas Alder, chairman of the Washington County library board, as one who learned to love books, Elder Holland of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve "rhapsodized" about childhood memories.
He spoke of "brainy" classmates who scurried to the library following school to complete their homework before returning home, noting how some used the library for serious study.
"We put our money in banks, our food in pantries, and God and great people put their wisdom in books," he said.
Elder Holland recounted that efforts to create the first library in St. George began three years after the first settlers arrived in this harsh desert. Without any assurance that they would survive and without sufficient necessities to live, he said, they began saving produce and goods in 60-gallon barrels. When six barrels were filled, they were transported to Salt Lake City, where proceeds from the sale of the produce were applied to the purchase of reading material.
Over the years, five libraries have been constructed in St. George. The most recent, located between the St. George Tabernacle and the Old Dixie Academy on the same block, was demolished to open the grounds for a new city park to be developed between the three buildings.
The $5 million structure is designed in the same architectural style as the Old Dixie Academy constructed in the latter 1880s with its arch entries and sandstone bricks. The library becomes an anchor in this area being designed as a town square.
Dedicatory services were held in the St. George Tabernacle. An overflow audience filled the benches on the main floor and the chairs in the balcony, with others lining the walls. Keeping with tradition that began in the 1870s when Brigham Young was greeted outside of town by a brass band and accompanied into the city, a 10-piece brass band performed for the hour-long service, then led a parade of people, including Elder Holland and his wife, Patricia, from the tabernacle to the library located about 100 yards around the corner.

[delts145]

I wonder if St George will ever do anything to try and create more density in town, or if they'll just keep sprawling all over the place. I'm down there about four times per year, and there's not a whole lot going on for the Fastest Growing Metro Area in the country. A lot of sprawl, yes. But not a whole lot happening in what should be their "downtown" area.



The New St. George Town Square Celebrates Community—Past, Present and Future
By Becky Jackson

http://www.southernutahmagazines.com/uploadimage/_383.mage

“When I was a boy growing up here, everything started downtown. Farmers changed irrigation water turns to the chime of the Tabernacle clock. There was a red light on top of the Tabernacle that would flash in an emergency. Citizens seeing this would call the operator to find out what the emergency was and act accordingly. The Christmas season and every major holiday started downtown and spread out from there. Downtown was where families gathered for community picnics, concerts and 4th of July celebrations. It was where they enjoyed the company of their friends and neighbors and engaged in social and recreational activities. Everybody apparently felt a part of it. I’d love to recapture that.”

Mayor Dan McArthur

In 2004, Mayor McArthur, along with city manager Gary Esplin, and members of the St. George City Council began the process of rethinking St. George’s historic downtown. What if we could create a central meeting place—a place to gather and celebrate and a place that would mirror the heartbeat of the people of St. George—past, present and future? They agreed that (1) they wanted to create an opportunity for citizens to rub shoulders and to connect and (2) that it would start downtown and disseminate out into neighborhoods. In planning the Town Square, efforts have been made to incorporate the rich heritage. “You can attach yourself to a community,” said McArthur, “when you know its history.”

In 1861, the three hundred families sent by Brigham Young to colonize and establish a Cotton Mission in Dixie found an arid and desolate landscape. Only their ability to obtain and harness water allowed them to survive, which was not an easy task. Bridges and ditches were frequently destroyed, fields were continually flooded and crops and acres of farmland were washed downstream whenever the Virgin River raged.

Since water was, and still is, an important part of this community, water features became integral to the St. George Town Square and to other downtown enhancements such as the Historic Water Walk. Brooks Pond and underground springs are slated to feed the Water Walk which will travel south down Main Street, past the Opera House, the St. George City offices, Zions Bank Plaza and the recently constructed Main Street Plaza building. An irrigation ditch will be simulated at many points along the pathway. Waterfalls, ponds and other water features will tie in many of the historic and important business centers along its route.

The Design

The ideal place for the St. George Town Square was determined to be the block between 100 South and Tabernacle Street with east-west coordinates between Main Street and 200 West. Historic buildings on three sides—the Woodward School, the Tabernacle and Community Arts Center—would serve as anchors. The new Washington County Library, to be completed by January 2007, will be the fourth anchor. All buildings feature the same color scheme and, in some cases, the same sandstone rock masonry.

Woodward School, built in 1901, was named in honor of George Woodward who devoted his time and means to make the dream of better educational facilities a reality in St. George. Committed to education, the early settlers formed the first school within days of their arrival with nothing more than a tent, a few books and writing slates.

Less than a year after St. George was settled, residents were directed by Brigham Young to build a building as soon as possible which would be commodious, substantial, and well furnished with a seating capacity of 2,000. This building should be an ornament to the city and a credit to its people’s energy and enterprise. During the thirteen long years of construction on the Tabernacle, most of the workers had not yet built suitable homes for themselves. They received food as their only compensation.

Realizing the need for a place of higher education, the citizens of St. George petitioned the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for funds to help them realize this dream. The Church contributed $20,000 and the people of the St. George Stake provided the remaining $35,000 in funds, materials and labor. The St. George Stake Academy, later called the Dixie Academy, is the precursor to Dixie College and currently serves as the Community Arts Center.

A Town Square to Enjoy

James Dotson, the city’s consultant and project manager on the St. George Town Square and the landscape architect firm of Gillies Stransky Brems Smith in Salt Lake City have taken special care to design a visually appealing, historically accurate and soil compatible park-like atmosphere. Game tables featuring chess and checker boards will be available as well as furniture that can be grouped and rearranged for patrons to relax in and enjoy.

The many trees, both existing and those to be planted, will add to the ambiance and shade. The designers of this project have planned for a patch of cotton and fruit trees on the square indicative of crops planted by early settlers. Historic street lights will illuminate and enhance the square.

The current Washington County Library will be removed once the new library is in operation. Built in the 1980’s, the community has outgrown the facility which also does not fit with the architectural design of the other buildings in the square. This location will be used for a splash pad, a recreational water feature composed of several holes that shoot water to varying heights (similar to the one at the Gateway Plaza in Salt Lake City). Another water feature planned for the square is designed to symbolize the confluence of the Virgin and Santa Clara Rivers.

The current Washington County Library branch on Main Street sits on what used to be St. George’s parade grounds—a field where marches and public gatherings were held. The new square is designed to bring back that tradition with new parade grounds designated for the space north of the new library.

Adjacent to the new parade grounds will be festival grounds planned to host St. George’s traditional activities such as the annual St. George Arts Festival, First Night (New Years Eve Celebration), and will also feature concerts in the park. Another event the mayor would like to initiate is the showing of old movies that were filmed in southern Utah.

Bordering the parade grounds and facing west will be a concrete stair-step style amphitheatre. This will accommodate concerts or performances to take place either in the amphitheatre with the audience sitting on the parade grounds, or visa versa.

The old Woodward Gymnasium, currently residing next to the Historic Woodward School building and home to the St. George Musical Theatre is slated to be torn down. It does not architecturally fit in with the surrounding buildings, and also needs a significant amount of work to meet current earthquake standards. The St. George Musical Theatre is relocating to another location in the area but not on the square.

Community Economics Squared

One of the objectives of the St. George Town Square is to complement downtown businesses by drawing in greater numbers of people. “A town that doesn’t have a vibrant, growing downtown is one that’s dying on the vine,” said McArthur. “A vibrant downtown is the key to a successful city. We’re coming full circle back to a great downtown.”

Businesses such as Blue Bunny Ice Cream and Main Street Travel specifically chose their locations based on the plans for the St. George Town Square. , “Ice cream is an impulse item,” said Karin Tomcik, Public Relations and Assistant Manager for the St. George Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. “We are dependent upon foot traffic.” Obviously, they hope the flow of people coming to and from events held at the St. George Town Square will have a positive impact upon their business.

Downtown business owners generally concurred with Main Street Travel’s Darlene Bolander. “We are hoping that when it’s all done, it will be well worth it,” she said, “that traffic to our business will increase and make up for the deficiencies we’ve experienced as part of the construction.” Businesses in this area have been affected by construction during for three years now. First they had to overcome the construction of the round-about at Main and Tabernacle, then the construction of the Main Street Plaza building and then the reconstruction of St. George Boulevard.

“Not many communities have the opportunity to reinvest in their downtowns,” said McArthur. “The St. George Town Square could not have been possible without everyone working together.” Collaborative efforts of the city, county, state, school district, private business owners and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have been a key factor in making this dream into a reality.

The St. George Town Square is funded from Redevelopment Agency money. For a period of seven years the city, county and school district were willing to forgo a portion of the property tax revenues derived from businesses in the immediate area and to reinvest it downtown. The budget for both the water walk and the square is roughly $4 million. Despite increases to construction costs since the initial budget was composed in 2004, the city is sticking closely to the proposed figure, cutting back to accommodate when the need arises.

Images of children splashing in the water, a young adult engrossed in a book under the shade of a tree, families happily attending community events together—both in the past and the future—are the pictures that became a vision of the St. George Town Square.

Related:

The Historic WaterWalk on Main Street has begun. This WaterWalk will include a pond up above town, a nature park at the top of Main Street, stylized ditch down Historic Main Street which will branch off into a series of fountains. It will terminate at newly designed Town Square. This Town Square will include the WaterWalk, feature gardens and interactive water features. Along the walk will be placed bronze figures highlighting the achievements of residents throughout the history of St. George.

[delts145]

St.George New Dixie Convention Center.

http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/index4-a_r1_c6.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/dixie-center-floorplan-new05.jpg

http://www.dixiecenter.com/confrence-center-photos/RotundaNight.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/confrence-center-photos/InteriorSouth.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/confrence-center-photos/RotundaClose.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/gardenroom-lrg.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/garden_roomsm.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/auditorium-1.jpg
http://www.dixiecenter.com/images/exhibithall2.jpg

[delts145]

Hidden Valley:Huge New Ivory Development Has Record Setting March

http://www.ivoryonline.com/a/ivh/images/hidden-valley-design-center.jpg

This new development will add 1,072 residences to St. George within the beautiful Hidden Valley community, bringing with it parks, trails, open space and Club Ivory, complete with tennis courts, volleyball courts, a tot lot and a large pool.

[N2I.F.]

Yeah, they have. And there have been infrastructure improvements, trying to keep pace with the numbers; I guess I'm thinking more in terms of centralization. Building the core of the city. Skyscrapers, commercial space IN St. George, not spread out from St G to Ivins, Hurricane, etc...right now it feels like a succession of strip malls and parking lots covering up some absolutely gorgeous scenery.

Unless there have been changes in the building codes in St. George, it use to be to be that NO building could be built that was taller than the Angel Moroni on the Temple. That is why most buildings use to not be taller than 3 stories.

I don't know if the same is true for Ivins, Hurricane and other surrounding communities.

If that St. George law has changed, would someone please update me? Othewise, prepare for more strip malls. :shrug:

[delts145]

:previous:

Dixie regional medical center
http://deseretnews.com/photos/2705135.jpg
http://www.sarnafilus.com/pic_roofing_dixie_medical_center.jpg

It does look like the new medical center is around four to five stories. But it's off toward the east of the historic downtown area. I don't think that heights are going to change west of I-15. As St. George continues to boom I imagine they will start to build taller buildings somewhere in the metro other than the historic area. Right now there is a strong push to revitalize and bring back the historic area. Even the new library at Town Square was built as a replica of an old 19th century building.

new library
http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/3830709.jpg

[SLCforme]

Unless there have been changes in the building codes in St. George, it use to be to be that NO building could be built that was taller than the Angel Moroni on the Temple. That is why most buildings use to not be taller than 3 stories.

I don't know if the same is true for Ivins, Hurricane and other surrounding communities.

If that St. George law has changed, would someone please update me? Othewise, prepare for more strip malls. :shrug:

this is eerily reminiscent of way back during the Ottoman empire, no structure in the lands conquered by the Ottomans could be taller than a turkish soldier on a horse. It was a way for the conquered peoples to show thier subserviance to thier occupiers.

Couldn't be any sort of parallel here, could there? :rolleyes:

[jimthemanincda]

I was stopping by this thread to read about the St. George area. Figured I'd answer the question as to the city's height restrictions.

I looked on the city of St. George website for the city building code. According to the city code, buildings in agricultural and residential zones (including single- and multi-family housing) are limited to 2 1/2 stories or 35', whichever is greater. Buildings in mixed-use developments are limited to 45', but may be built taller if approved by the planning commission and the city council. There was NO specific restriction that buildings be limited to be lower than the temple building...

Hopefully your city will eventually come around an amend its building codes to allow for taller buildings :)

[delts145]

:previous:

:tup: Thanks for your clarifications Jim. I hope you will check in with the St.George thread periodically. I imagine that St.George will develop an area for taller buildings in the near future. At the rate its growing it won't be long before it is the most populas city proper in Utah. I do think though that the area around the LDS temple will remain more historic in nature. I think all residents of St.George, including many now who are not LDS are pretty opinionated about having a certain historic feel to that area.

[wrendog]

I would think that the whole "no building can be taller than the temple" thing is just a myth... Probably like the "no building in SLC can be taller than the COB" myth...

[SLCforme]

:previous:
I'm sure your right, My statement was made tounge-in-cheek. But there is no tounge-in-cheek smile face so I improvised with this guy :rolleyes:
You know how to end these myths once and for all, is for someone, anyone to build TALLER!!! please somebody do it (of course in an appropriate manner and an appropriate location).

[wrendog]

We really need a good TIC icon! I could really use it when I try to lay it on thick and people don't notice too.. :)

[delts145]

:previous:

Wrendog, Remember when we were wondering which metro area was larger of Grand Junction and St. George? Looks like St. George will claim that spot this year some time if it hasn't already.

St. George No. 1 in U.S.; 2 Utah County cities 6th

Provo area is growing rapidly

By Deborah Bulkeley
Deseret Morning News
Washington County, anchored by St. George, continues to be the nation's fastest growing metro area with a 2006 population of 126,312 and a six-year growth rate of 40 percent, according to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/3995627.jpg
Stuart Johnson, Deseret Morning News

The housing rising in Eagle Mountain has helped make the new community one of the growth hot spots in Utah County. St. George Mayor Dan McArthur said in the days before air conditioning became commonplace, the southwestern Utah community "was not desirable."
"Brigham Young had to call people to settle it," he said. "After the first year, of the 309 families, only about half of them were still there."
Now, he said, "it is very desirable," with clean air, a warm climate and relatively low elevation. That's reflected in strong growth since the mid-1990s.
Also showing strong growth was the Provo-Orem metro area, which ranked sixth nationally in growth from April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006. Provo-Orem, which encompasses Utah and Juab counties, grew by 26 percent, or 97,402 people, to 474,180.
In Utah County, the hot spots are largely new communities in the northwest, such as Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, along with established communities such as Lehi and American Fork. Meanwhile, those seeking to escape the county's urbanization are also starting to move south to Juab County, said Utah County Commissioner Larry Ellertson.
"New areas are developing that a decade ago were just beginning or had not begun," he said. "Now they're cities of 15,000 to 20,000."
The Census Bureau looks at metro areas as distinct from counties. Metropolitan statistical areas have an urban core of at least 50,000 people and adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core. Micropolitan statistical areas are similar but with urban cores of 10,000 to 50,000.
When compared with other metro areas, such as the Salt Lake or Provo-Orem metro areas, Washington County's growth rate is No. 1 in the nation. But, although Washington County's metro area lies within the county borders, when the county is compared with other counties of more than 10,000 people, it ranked only 19th in growth nationally from 2000 to 2006. And its one-year growth rate was actually surpassed by Wasatch County.
By contrast, when Washington County is compared to other metro areas around the nation, it ranks No. 1 in growth since 2000.
"St. George is consistently one of the fastest growing areas in the nation," said Robert Spendlove, manager of demographic and economic analysis for the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. "The St. George area has had very strong growth for the entire decade of the 2000s."
The data show that St. George's growth has been largely due to people moving in, said Pam Perlich, senior research economist at the University of Utah. Provo-Orem, in contrast, saw most of its growth through births. So did Salt Lake, where there was a net influx of immigrants but a net domestic outmigration.
"In Washington County there's an over-representing of older age," she said. "In Utah County, there's a over-representing of college age."
She added that some of Utah's fast-growing areas may be seeing more growth than the census numbers indicate, particularly in Provo-Orem and Logan, where the census tends to underestimate the large concentrations of college students.
Despite its fast-paced growth, St. George remains relatively small for a metropolitan area, and its numerical gain of 35,958 is 91st.
And that's just fine, said McArthur, who remembers going to high school in a small town of maybe 6,000.
"We're not seeking to be the fastest-growing community in the nation," he said. "We just want to make sure we take care of the people in St. George."

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/3991942.jpg
Deseret Morning News Graphic

As of July 1, 2006, the 361 metro areas in the United States contained 249.2 million people — 83.2 percent of the nation's population.
In percentage growth, St. George was followed by Greeley, Colo., which grew by 31 percent to 236,857; Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Calif., which grew by 30 percent to 571,344; Bend, Ore., which saw 29 percent growth to 149,140; and Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev., which grew by 29 percent to 1.8 million.
New York was the most populous metro area on July 1, 2006, with 18.8 million people, followed by Los Angeles, with 13 million, and Chicago with 9.5 million.
The Atlanta metro area gained 890,000 residents — the nation's largest numerical gain — bringing it to a 2006 population of 5.1 million.
The outflux following Hurricane Katrina was reflected in the New Orleans metro area experiencing the greatest numeric loss over six years, declining by 292,000 people to 1 million on July 1, 2006. New Orleans also saw the biggest percentage loss of 22.2 percent, followed by coastal Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss., which was also hard-hit by Katrina and lost 7.4 percent of its population.
Utah's biggest metro area, Salt Lake, which includes Salt Lake, Tooele and Summit counties, saw the state's greatest population gain — 98,839 or 10 percent — bringing its total population to nearly 1.1 million.
The Ogden-Clearfield metro area, which includes Davis, Morgan and Weber counties, grew by 12.4 percent to 497,640. The state's smallest metro area, Logan — which includes Cache County and Franklin County, Idaho — grew by 8 percent to 111,156.
Most of Utah's micropolitan areas have also grown since 2000. With a six-year growth of 33 percent, Heber (Wasatch County) is the nation's third fastest growing micro area. And Cedar City (Iron County) grew by 20 percent to 40,544, ranking 9th nationally. Brigham City (Box Elder County) grew by 10 percent to 47,197 and Vernal (Uintah County) grew nearly 11 percent to 27,955.
Utah's only micro area that lost population was Price (Carbon County), which has lost nearly 1,000 people since 2000, making its 2006 population 27,955.

[delts145]

And from the Tribune,

St. George area a champ in Growth

By Matt Canham
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/05/2007 03:27:47 AM MDT

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2007/0405/20070405_032639_Census-Nationwide-0405.gif

New schools are under construction. Chain restaurants and big-box stores are multiplying. A new airport is taking shape.
Change is constant in St. George, by far the nation's fastest growing metropolitan area.
"We are just trying to deal with it the best we can," said Mayor Daniel McArthur.
A new Census Bureau report released today shows the population of St. George and its suburbs has grown by nearly 40 percent since 2000.
Second place? That belongs to Greeley, Colo., which has seen a 31 percent population spike since the start of this decade.
The report illustrates a widespread trend, where people are moving to warmer areas in the South or the West, many to retirement hot spots. Other top 10 growing metro areas include Las Vegas, Phoenix and two Florida locales.
Utah had another top 10 finisher - Provo and Orem came in as the sixth fastest growing metro area, with a 26 percent growth rate. Metro areas have at least 100,000 people. Heber and Cedar City made the top 10 fastest growing micropolitan areas, or places with 10,000 to 50,000 residents.
Robert Spendlove, the state's chief economist, said the fast growing areas are "definitely a reflection that Utah is a very attractive place to live and work."
It's also a reflection that Utah is still a cheaper place to live than many of its neighboring states.
Demographer Pam Perlich from the University of Utah says age data tells much of the story. The St. George population is one of the state's oldest, while Provo is one of the youngest.
On a percentage basis, the St. George metro area, which includes all of Washington County, has twice as many elderly residents as Salt Lake County or Utah County. Perlich said this shows many of the people flooding into St. George are retirees.
In contrast, Provo and Orem have far more college-age residents per capita, in part because of the expansion of Utah Valley University and the continued growth of Brigham Young University. Those college-age Utahns are also having lots of kids.
"Babies don't come with income, but the retired folks do," said Perlich, describing the hot growth in the St. George economy.

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2007/0405/20070405_032615_Census-Demographics-0405.gif

Low unemployment rates and lack of cheap housing make it difficult for companies to attract workers.
These business complications, along with the need for greater transportation and new utilities, have led to a comprehensive planning exercise known as Vision Dixie, which is a collaboration between Washington County government and the nonprofit planning agency Envision Utah.
In a series of workshops, residents are asked to create maps showing housing, business development and new transportation routes. Their input will ultimately lead to one vision, and the one constant is a population that continues to expand.
Such growth is not new for the St. George area. The county population has increased by at least 6 percent annually since the late 1960s. But the effect is magnified over time.
Back in the late 1960s, a little more than 11,000 people lived in the St. George area. Now, more than 126,000 people call Dixie home.
By 2035, county and city leaders expect the population to balloon to 400,000.
"We are trying to be proactive about it," said Washington County Commissioner James Eardley, who is also leading the Vision Dixie effort.
The group will release four possible growth plans, including new roadways, public transportation, dense housing and mixed-use developments, by the beginning of May.
Eardley hopes the models will become the basis for a revised Washington County land use bill that Sen. Bob Bennett and Rep. Jim Matheson will spearhead in Congress.
The original version of the bill came under fire from environmental groups because it called for the sale of up to 25,000 acres of federal lands. The money would stay in the county for conservation projects.
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and the Sierra Club have fought against that bill.
Eardley said he expects Bennett and Matheson to introduce a new version in August.
Matheson said he expects the Vision Dixie process to defuse much of the criticism of the land use bill, meant to create a plan to help the county handle its burgeoning population.
More than this, Eardley hopes that St. George and other cities will use the plan as they prepare to cope with the hundreds of thousands of new Utahns to come.

[wrendog]

If those percentages stay the same, here are the expected figures for 5 years from now (2011):

Logan: 120,270
Brigham City: 52,105
Ogden/Clearfield:559,347
SLC: 1,176,629
Provo/Orem: 596,992
Heber: 26,959
Cedar City: 48,652
St. George: 176,584

wow.. the Wasatch Front population in 2011 would be 2,332,968 and that doesn't include Tooele or Summit Counties...

[delts145]

So basically by 2011 with Summitt,Wasatch and Tooele,which are also part of the Wasatch Front Metro we'll be at the 2.5 million mark and on our way to the big................ 3 million!!!!!

[Northernlad]

So basically by 2011 with Summitt,Wasatch and Tooele,which are also part of the Wasatch Front Metro we'll be at the 2.5 million mark and on our way to the big................ 3 million!!!!!

Yay...more smog, more traffic, more cookie cutter sprawl, more people in the Wasatch canyons. Do we really want to be so crowded? Where will the H2O come from? Why is it so exciting for so many people to move to a certain area? The Wasatch Front does not have a large water supply to play with and St. George certainly needs to worry about water in the future too since they are in the middle of the desert. The whole southwest is in a continuing drought cycle.

[wrendog]

who cares about water? I want a MLB team! :)

(yes, the water part was TIC)

[delts145]

Yay...more smog, more traffic, more cookie cutter sprawl, more people in the Wasatch canyons. Do we really want to be so crowded? Where will the H2O come from? Why is it so exciting for so many people to move to a certain area? The Wasatch Front does not have a large water supply to play with and St. George certainly needs to worry about water in the future too since they are in the middle of the desert. The whole southwest is in a continuing drought cycle.

Actually, the Wasatch Front's overall air quality has improved dramatically since the days when the population was but a fraction of what it is now. Hopefully we will be driving even much cleaner/and or electric cars and the Wasatch trend toward light and commuter rail will continue.
As for water,I very much agree.(just a thought)- We need a water pipeline up the I-15 corridor from L.A. to Vegas to St. George to the Wasatch, delivering desalinated water,"not oil."

[delts145]

Architectural styles emerging in St. George

The Springs at Snow Canyon

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/Res47.JPG

Can you imagine this as a view out your front window?
http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/bluepond600.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/nentranceb.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/rockart600.jpg


http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/rockinpond.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/Springs7.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/madian600.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/InnFront.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/rockcarving600.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/tothesky.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/poollg.jpg



http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/modelnew.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/gate627.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/newspringsentrance.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/Inn%20front%20big.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/inn.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/PaiuteSprings45frontbig.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/kseII70b.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/Our%20house%20053.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/images/Chaco33Main.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/Chaco19FrontBig.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/KSE26.jpg

http://www.splitrockinc.com/Cliffs76Big.jpg

[SLCforme]

So I hate all the sprawl in the St. George are, but at least SOME of the developments are actually taking the geography and feel of the land into consideration when designing thier developments. The architecture and layout of this community really blends in well with the land. The developers are to be commended because they could have just built a bunch of cookie cutters typical of new subdivisions on the wasatch front like some St. George developers are.

[delts145]

:previous:

I agree SLCforme,and hopefully this trend of creativity will build. I think even with starter homes people should have options other than much of the current cookie-cutter fare that is too prevalent across the country. St. George is a unique local and deserves unique options.

[delts145]

http://images.inc.com/slideshow/boom07_sm/slide01.jpg

Hottest Industries: Wholesale, Business Services, Manufacturing
2007 Rank in Category: 1
2007 Overall Rank: 1
2006 Rank in Category: 2
2006 Overall Rank: 2
Growth in Nonfarm Jobs 2005-2006: 8.4%
Growth in Nonfarm Jobs 2001-2006: 41.8%



Dixie tops national list for growth

But growth of boomtown appears to be slowing

By Nancy Perkins
Deseret Morning News
ST. GEORGE — Utah's Dixie hit another economic milestone this month when Inc. magazine hailed St. George as the nation's top "boomtown" for 2007.
In the magazine's May issue, St. George took the No. 1 spot on the overall list of 393 cities. The magazine also listed its choices for the Top 20 large, midsize and small boomtown cities, based on employment growth rates over the past six years. St. George tops the list of small cities — those with populations of less than 150,000.
Michael Shires, a professor of public policy at Pepperdine University, compiled the rankings for the magazine. Other Utah cities that ranked within the top 100 on the overall list include Provo/Orem, Logan, Ogden/Clearfield and Salt Lake City.
"The fact is, we have been growing jobs, strongly and aggressively," said Scott Hirschi, Washington County's director of economic development. "No question, we've had strong job growth over that entire period from 2001 to mid-2006."
Even as Washington County finds itself the darling of numerous growth charts, Hirschi and other economists point out the region's rapid growth rate can't continue.
"We are in somewhat of a slowdown now," said Hirschi.
Lecia Parks-Langston, regional economist with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, is also sounding a cautionary note in her quarterly newsletter.
"The Washington County economy has certainly been flying high during the past several years," Langston said in her column. "But as the old adage goes, 'What goes up must come down.'"
The most current estimates available for job growth peg year-over job expansion in Washington County at less than 6 percent, she said.
"That's down substantially from the 12 percent rate of growth just a year earlier," Langston wrote. "And it's bound to slip even lower as the construction industry continues to soften."
Both Hirschi and Langston pointed out that Washington County's job growth of approximately 6 percent for the past year is considerably more than the national average of less than 2 percent, and greater than the state's 4.5 percent.
But there are other indicators that show St. George may slip next year from its lofty spot in the rankings. Among the economic indicators losing traction in Washington County are residential construction, which dropped by 42 percent between 2005 and 2006, and gross taxable sales, which plummeted from a high of nearly 25 percent during the second quarter of 2005 to only 7 percent in the third quarter of 2006.
Still, said Langston, a more moderate, slower rate of growth isn't a bad thing.
"A slowdown gives the economy and government services time to catch up with market and infrastructure needs," she said. "Employers are probably already finding the labor market more amenable to hiring, and home prices are coming down."

Boomtowns 2007

1. St. George
2. Yuma, Ariz.
3. Prescott, Ariz.
4. Fort Myers, Fla.
5. McAllen, Texas
6. Naples, Fla.
7. Las Vegas
8. Sarasota, Fla.
9. Morgantown, W. Va.
10. Bend, Ore.
31. Provo-Orem
44. Logan
62. Ogden-Clearfield
68. Salt Lake City

Source: Inc. Magazine



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Happy Valley Freak]

Yay...more smog, more traffic, more cookie cutter sprawl, more people in the Wasatch canyons. Do we really want to be so crowded? Where will the H2O come from? Why is it so exciting for so many people to move to a certain area? The Wasatch Front does not have a large water supply to play with and St. George certainly needs to worry about water in the future too since they are in the middle of the desert. The whole southwest is in a continuing drought cycle.

do you have 2 be so negitive?

[JCarp]

Unless there have been changes in the building codes in St. George, it use to be to be that NO building could be built that was taller than the Angel Moroni on the Temple. That is why most buildings use to not be taller than 3 stories.


Sorry, I know this has been posted for a while but...
There is no "Angel Moroni on the (St. George) Temple."
Just had to clear that up for everyone.

[delts145]

Southern Utah - St. George

I think a lot of us will appreciate this project and particularly it's historic feel. I for one would like to see this type of authentic,(non-faux feel) of architecture implemented throughout our different Metro projects.

St. George touts Town Square project

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695223041,00.html

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.southernutahmagazines.com/uploadimage/_383.mage&imgrefurl=http://www.southernutahmagazines.com/article.php%3Fid%3D591&h=236&w=190&sz=11&hl=en&start=30&um=1&tbnid=xB_1E_14lKlZ3M:&tbnh=109&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dst.%2Bgeorge%2Butah%2Btown%2Bsquare%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://images.google.com/imgres?
imgurl=http://www.southernutahmagazines.com/uploadimage/_383.mage&imgrefurl=http://www.southernutahmagazines.com/article.php%3Fid%3D591&h=236&w=190&sz=11&hl=en&start=30&um=1&tbnid=xB_1E_14lKlZ3M:&tbnh=109&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dst.%2Bgeorge%2Butah%2Btown%2Bsquare%26start%3D18%26ndsp%3D18%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://www.utahtripadvisor.com/image-files/st-george-utah-motels.jpg
"Newly renovated business district of St. George, Utah" by Howard A. Knudsen

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/4746497.jpg
A walk-through tower at Town Square features four stained-glass windows depicting the St. George area and its history. (St. George City)


" Anytime you have a vibrant, functioning downtown, where people are there, busy and enjoying themselves, it's a big draw for business," said St. George Mayor Dan McArthur. "It's been exciting to have this come together and watch it grow."

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/3830709.jpg
Des. News
New St. George Library at Town Square

..

[delts145]

http://www.southernutahland.com/BrianHead/brd01.jpg
Brian Head, Southern Utah

A Major New Bridge, New Lifts, Vegas Mega-Developers, 35% expanded ski-terrain. Brian Head begins an era of Big Development !!

It links 2 main areas;

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695236229,00.html

http://image.pegs.com/images/LM/1334/1334_b1.jpg
http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/4921906.jpg
The new ski bridge in use at Brian Head connects Navajo and Giant Steps ski mountains. It spans state Route 143. Brian head Resort)

Proposed and approved developments already in the works could potentially double the town's assessed tax value, said the mayor, who has held an elected office in Brian Head since 1977.

"One of the challenges here for the town and staff is we go along catering to 100 residents or so, and then all of a sudden, boom, we grow to 6,000 people," the mayor said.

..

[delts145]

Feds promise St. George up to $90 million for airport - City finally clears hurdle to begin work on new site

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695244137,00.html

http://www.stgeorgechamber.com/EcDev/airport.jpg
new St. George regional airport

"This nearly completes all of the funding we will receive from the federal government for this project," LaPier said. "A lot of people have been under the false impression that this airport wouldn't be built. This inverstment from the federal government should convince them that it is going to happen."

..

[delts145]

State-of-the-art Sky of Dreams Ranch, and Film Production Studio announced for Southern Utah near St. George

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695246281,00.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/photos/midres/5043669.jpg
Mike Terry, Deseret Morning News
Sausha Seus, who specializes in therapy using animals and whose parents were handlers of Bart the Bear, says she has invested her heart in Sky of Dreams. At right is Mac Adamson, a managing member and co-founder of the ranch.

Construction on what investors are calling an arts and entertainment community is supposed to begin by the end of 2008. As for a dollar amount for the project, it will be in the "multi, multi millions."

..

[delts145]

MASS MEDIA DISTRIBUTION NEWSWIRE

UTAH FIRMS TO UNVEIL PLANS FOR MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FILM PRODUCTION CAMPUS IN UTAH

http://www.mmdnewswire.com/utah-firms-2799.html


.

[delts145]

Massive film production campus planned for St. George--

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/252326/18/

.