This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Growth along the Wasatch Front drives Utah's economy, not growth in Washington or Cache counties.

Nothing could be more ill-conceived than extremely costly water diversions that will destroy the Wasatch Front environment and depress Utah's economic growth.

Senate Bill 80 makes no sense.

SB 80 threatens some of our most treasured natural resources — the Colorado River, the Bear River and the Great Salt Lake — and needs to be stopped.

Diversion of water that once flowed into the Aral Sea in Russia has destroyed that area's economy, environment and the health and lives of millions of Russians.

That must never happen in Utah.

The Great Salt Lake recently reached its lowest water level in recorded history. The drying, exposed lake bed will release toxic dust into the air, resulting in poor air quality with risks to human health in the surrounding region. Additionally, historic habitat for thousands of birds would disappear.

SB 80 would dewater the lake even further by damming the Bear River and diverting millions of gallons of water from the Great Salt Lake.

Water conservation in St. George — not a costly new pipeline.

Don't rob Utah taxpayers to destroy some of our state's most valued natural treasures.

Stop SB 80!

Virginia Lee

Salt Lake City