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4-City Sewage Disposal Plan

Click to see original imageVoters of four cities in north Utah County – American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Alpine, and Lehi v took a large step for progress when they’ voted approval of the $4.3 million bonding plan for a sewage disposal system in last week’s election. With existing sewage treatment plants of American Fork, Lehi and Pleasant Grove about 20 years old and inadequate to handle future loads, the project seemed imperative for the growing area. While the project is costly, the citizens of the region are getting a good break in that EPA will inance 75 per cent of the more than $16 million over-all cost. Cities of Utah County took the lead in the state back in the fifties in installing sewage treatment plants – setting an example for other communities of the state in anti-pollution efforts. Their efforts also amounted to a long stride in cleaning up Utah Lake. Today facilities must be updated to handle the job and meet more stringent requirements. Efforts of the northern cities, together with planned projects in other communities can only be a plus and a benefit in multiple uses of the lake. The total vote in the four-city service district was 5838 votes for the bonding plan, and 3432 against. Each of the four cities had a majority in favor. The Herald commends the mayors and other officials of the special service district for placing the question before the citizenry at a general election when a big turnout could be assured. We .have never liked the strategy of some to put bonding propositions before the voters at special elections when the vote could be combined in a general election. Some claim it’s easier to “put over” an election when the vote is small – and this may be, But it is also easier in a light vote for special interests to control an election, When the ballot is heavy and the people have plenty of time to study the proposition, it can be expected to vote generally will be in accordance with the tmc will of the people, Mayor Malcolm H, Beck of American Fork, chairman of the Timpanogos Special Service District, said the mayors and councilmen of the four cities comprising the district felt the largest possible vote should be encouraged so that all may share in making the decision. We agree with that principle and commend those involved for the route they took.