OCR Text |
Show 36 DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Andrus, for your testimony. Mr. Arthur Bruhn, president of the Dixie College. Mr. Bruhn, if you will come forward we will recognize you. Mr. BURTON. Mr. Chairman, may I also add for the benefit of my colleagues that aside from being a distinguished educator, president of the college, President Bruhn will speak tonight in the capacity as a member of the Utah State Park and Recreation Commission, of which he has been a longtime member. STATEMENT OE ARTHUR E. BRUHN, MEMBER OE THE UTAH STATE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION, PRESIDENT OF DIXIE COLLEGE Mr. BRUHN. Mr. Chairman, Governor Clyde, and members of the committee, welcome to the arid campus of Dixie College. I only wish it were daytime so you could see two things, how badly we need the water and the courage of our young people as they wade through dust inches deep to get to their classes. One of Utah's greatest undeveloped resources is its scenery. With more and more leisure time virtually forced on the American citizen by virtue of automation, the matter of intelligent use of such leisure becomes both a matter of social concern as well as a tremendous economic opportunity for those who can provide facilities for satisfying this need. The consistent annual increase in people who come to look at the glories of southern Utah is indeed heartening. Yet their stay is often brief. They look and leave because there is little else to do. On any manmade lake where water is left year round deep enough to sustain a thriving fish population, the recreation values are a significant plus to be considered in estimating the total value of the project. But when the body of water lies in the front door of a magnificent scenic area like Zion Canyon, the values are enhanced to an even greater degree. The lake that will accumulate behind the dam at Hurricane, a positive asset in its own right, will attract a greater population to the park. Moreover, they will come earlier in the year, stay later, and stay longer- to boat, to fish, to water ski, and to see the famous temples and towers from a new and exciting viewpoint. The faculty and students at Dixie College are also vigorous in their support of the Dixie project. It will afford rich fields of opportunity for experimentally minded biologists and geologists. It will provide for clean and wholesome recreation. It will foster a substantial economic boom which will make possible the expansion of our educational and cultural offering to our people. And finally, we believe that the values of the Dixie project are not entirely financial, as worthy and real as such values are. But just as surely as man does not live by bread alone, the placid waters of a violent stream conquered and reclaimed will bring to the visitor and native alike opportunities for rest, for inspiration, and for precious moments to renew their kinship with water, earth, and sky so essential for troubled men in a troubled world. Thank you. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Bruhn. Our next witness is Mr.. Malin Cox representing the Utah Farm Bureau of Crops. |