12
Epilogue
THE DEBATE OVER THE FUTURE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY The Growth Issue For the first half of the twentieth century Washington County could be said to need population growth. However, by 1970 the flow of newcomers was substantial, and by 1990 the growth rate became a concern. The question of how many people the area can sustain has stimulated intense political debate. The ecological, economic, and aesthetic dimensions of the question were sufficient to entice many into the discussion. The subject is one of pressing political interest. The economic vitality of the region has become dependent on the growth that draws business, particularly construction, to the area. Many enterprises have come to depend on a steady influx of people and resources. In 1994 an advocacy group—Citizens for Moderate Growth (CMG)—was organized by Alison Bowcutt, Robert Owens, Frank Fair, and Nephi Evenson. It petitioned the St. George City Councd to set a three-percent growth limit and gradually reduce building permits from 1,100 that year to approximately 300 annuady. The lifestyle 372
