The keynote panel of the Canyon Region Economic Development Association on Saturday in Kanab brought together politicians and a public-lands official to discuss the resumption of mining for uranium on the Arizona Strip, located just south of the Utah state line.

The counties that make up the association formed to promote economic development include Mohave and Coconino in Arizona and Kane in southern Utah. Kane County, however, recently pulled out of the association in response to Coconino County, Ariz., passing a resolution in February opposing a proposed uranium mine near the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The resolution started legislation in motion for Congress to ban mining around the national park on the North and South rims.

Coconino County Supervisor Gary Taylor told those attending Saturday's conference that while he does not wish to hinder mining operations in other areas, he fears the presence of a uranium mine near the South Entrance of the park could impact tourism that is responsible for bringing nearly $700 million annually into the economy of his county.

Kane County Commissioner Daniel Hulet responded that the resolution precipitated the introduction of the anti-mining legislation in Congress, compelling Kane County to pull its support in the association. Hulet said that Kane County supports the return to uranium mining on the Strip because of the economic benefits it would bring.

He said in the 1980s and early 1990s, when there was a variety of industries operating in and around Kane County - including uranium mining and timber-related businesses - the economy was strong and generated more jobs and revenue than a strictly tourism-based economy.

"Once we were relegated to a tourism-based economy, we had many leave the community as businesses closed or changed hands," Hulet said. "In the winter now, you do not see people in restaurants because many close for the season. In an industry-based economy, they could remain open year-round."

Utah Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, who represents the area and was a member of Saturday's panel, said the resumption of uranium mining on the Strip is not only in the best interest of the area, but of the country and the world.

He said with growing concerns of climate change, momentum is gaining for development of nuclear power, and noted that all presidential candidates and congressional leaders are in favor of looking at electricity produced by nuclear power.

He blamed environmental groups, like the Grand Canyon Trust, Center for Biodiversity and The Sierra Club, for thwarting efforts to stop mining operations on the Strip. He said because U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, represents a state dependant on mining, the federal legislation will fail.

Scott Florence, with the Bureau of Land Management, which is responsible for overseeing the mining operations on the 1.8-million acre Strip, said one mine is ready to open with three to follow.

He said environmental assessments and impact studies performed in the 1980s and early 1990s for the mines are still valid for the proposed projects, but that the amount the mining companies must pay for reclamation bonds has increased.

He said that the interest in mining is based on the price of the uranium, which has fluctuated between $73 a pound and $135.

Once mined, the ore will be trucked to a site in Blanding in San Juan County for milling.

Kanab business owner Tom Forsythe, who attended Saturday's summit, said he did not think it would be wise for Kane County to stay out of the association over the mining topic.

"There's no connection between Coconino County's resolution and the need for economic cooperation inherent in the multicounty [association]," Forsythe said.

mhavnes@sltrib.com