Press Release
For Immediate Release

 

Contact Information:

• Malcolm R. Nash
• Sevier County Economic Development Director
• (435) 893-0454 Office
• (435) 893-0495 FAX
• sevierutah@hotmail.com

 

 

Proposed Power Plant Develops Rural Economy

Richfield, UT—More than a half-dozen studies have been completed by the Sevier County Planning Commission with regards to the proposed power plant.  The studies have included impacts to the local economy, the Sevier School District, visual impacts, lighting impacts, housing impacts, health care facilities, noise impacts, and fiscal impacts on county services and tax revenues.

Highlights from these studies include the following:

• “The construction and operation of the Sevier Power Plant will help strengthen the economic base of Sevier County by adding new jobs, income and earnings for county residents.” (Jan Crispin, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Utah, January 2007, Page v.)


• In constant 2006 dollars, the impact on personal income will be an increase of about $14.1 million in 2011.  by 2030, the impact increases to $18.5 million.  This represents a total increase in personal income of $318.2 million for residents of Sevier County over the 20-year study period.” (Jan Crispin, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Utah, January 2007, Page v.)


• The value of the proposed plant ($600 million) puts both the Sevier School District and Sevier County in the position of being able to reduce the property tax burden on existing homes and businesses, and, AT THE SAME TIME, increase property tax revenues for education and county services. (Malcolm Nash, Sevier County Economic Development Director, Presentation to Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce, March 2007)


• “If county and school district officials do nothing to adjust the current (2006) property tax rates, then adding a $600 million electric plant to the tax base will generate an additional $2.2 million for the county and $4.1 million fro the Sevier School District” (Larry Walters, Fiscal Impact Study, Executive Summary, Page 1).


• A “Much more likely scenario in which local governments hold revenues largely constant (neutral), . . . Under this scenario, local tax rates will fall by 25% to nearly 31%.  For a primary residence with a market value of $100,000, the addition of the power plant would result in a property tax reduction of about $177 per year.  For a business or other property valued at $200,000, the property tax reduction would be $645 per year.” (Larry Walters, Fiscal Impact Study, Executive Summary, Page 1).


• The share of total property tax revenues from residential property would be reduced from 43% to 25%.  (Larry Walters, Fiscal Impact Study, Executive Summary, Page 1).


• “Yes, there are impacts.  There are not show stoppers that can’t be worked about with a little prior planning.  There are several potential positive impacts from the increase in assessed valuation:  Increased bonding capacity, potential for increased educational funding, reduction in tax levies for County taxpayers, possibility of accelerating the 10 year building plan.”  (Pat Wilson, Impact Study by the Sevier School District, Slides Presented to Sevier School Board and Sevier County Planning Commission, spring 2007).


• Sevier School District Issues shows that the District’s salary schedule and ability [to better] compete for classified employees and teachers.  (Pat Wilson, Impact Study by the Sevier School District, Slides Presented to Sevier School Board and Sevier County Planning Commission, spring 2007).


• “An example of Property Taxes w/Truth in Taxation shows that the Sevier School District could, with board action, reduce property taxes by 15% and still raise revenues by $999,201.”  (Pat Wilson, Impact Study by the Sevier School District, Slides Presented to Sevier School Board and Sevier County Planning Commission, spring 2007).


• “Qualitatively, the noise would be most clearly perceived in calm conditions, when little wind is present and automobile noise is minimal.  A listener would likely hear a vague, low hum or hiss.  Any other environmental noise, such as rain bird sprinklers, wind rustling the leaves, or birds chirping would overwhelm the perceptible noise from the proposed SPP.”  (Noise Analysis for the Proposed Sevier Power Plant, BearWest, Page 10).


• “The result was predictable; the structure is dwarfed by the surrounding mountains and very difficult to see as distance increases.  Visual impacts from a distance are predicted to be negligible.  Even when looking northward toward Aurora (where the backdrop is smaller and weaker) the structure is difficult to see except from one particular angle, and at that angle it remains very small and difficult to see.” (Visual Impact Analysis for the Proposed Sevier Power Plant, BearWest, Page 8).


• “The project has been evaluated and found to be consistent with the requirements of the Utah Administrative Code Rule 307 (UAC R307).  A public comment period was held in accordance with UAC R307-401-4 and comments were received.  The comments were evaluated and changes were made as a result of those comments.  This air quality approval order (AO) authorizes the project with the following conditions . . . . “  (Rick Sprott, Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality,  Approval Order dated October 12, 2004, Page 3)


• “Population will increase steadily, independent of the Sevier Power Project (SPP), at a pace of about 400 people per year countywide.  The SPP will provide essentially a ‘one time bump’ in population of approximately 300 new residents.  This bump will occur when construction is complete and the plant goes into operation.  The bump is expected to consist of approximately 100 averaged-sized families.” (Population and Housing Impact Analysis for the proposed SPP, Bear West, Page 15).


• “Existing short-term accommodations (hotels and motels) would be able to house most of the anticipated 300-400 peak transient workers.  Hotels under construction may further augment the needed capacity.” (Population and Housing Impact Analysis for the proposed SPP, Bear West, Page 15).


• “This analysis and the [University of Utah’s] Economic and Demographic Impact Study predict that there will be no substantial impact on residential properties in the short-term (during construction activities), because no notable increase in population is expected (i.e. job growth will be accommodated locally).  (Population and Housing Impact Analysis for the proposed SPP, Bear West, Page 16).


• “Without question, the volumes that you anticipate can be easily absorbed into our existing system without difficulty.  I also look forward to additional conversations to take care of your onsite needs if necessary.” (Letter from Gary Beck, Sevier Valley Medical Center Administrator, dated March 12, 2007).