Uncategorized

Nebc Loop Scenic Drive

Click to see original imageThe Nebo Loop Scenic Drive long has been envisioned as a great forest and recreation feature – not only for the drive itself but for the access it provides to points of scenic grandeur and potentially – great outdoor recreation developments. Indeed, the Nebo Loop area is now rated top priority among Forest Service projects in the state for development. But despite much planning through the years, and at times much clamor and fanfare, completion of the road construction and development of adjacent recreation spots seem almost as far away now as they did many years ago. What is lacking is money federal appropriations sufficient to get the job done. Hopes have been built up in the past. Forest Service planning has been advanced in cooperation with other agencies – only to see appropriations go to other areas. The Nebo Loop Scenic Drive extends through Payson Canyon in Utah County and connects with Salt Creek Canyon in Juab Coimty. Something like 26 miles still remain to be paved and much of the road needs to be widened and brought up to standard. Sections washed out by flooding several years ago have been replaced through special funding via the Public Roads Administration. Population growth in Central Utah in the past decade or two has been substantial. It is clear that growth of even greater dimension is on the way. xpansion of outdoor recreation roads and areas is a must, The Black Hawk Campground alone, a short distance from the Payson Lakes, would be a boon in solving outdoor recreation needs. Designed to accommodate 200 families, it received initial development years ago, but was sidetracked for lack of funds. The work accomplished is valueless without completion. Through the years, one citizens groups after another has spearheaded the Nebo Loop campaign. Currently the torch is carried by the Utah County Beautificiation Committee which is planning a public meeting for April 3 to generate supfport, The Nebo Loop is the ocal point of proposed recreational development in the mountains along the entire Wasatch Front from Brigham City to Nephi, according to the Forest Service, The idea of the over-all complex is good, but the Herald believes the time has come to concentrate on the Nebo Loop and get this long – needed and long – overdue project completed, Plans previously drawn could quickly be gotten into shape, including budgetary retliiirements. Agencies involved – orest Service, Utah and Juab Counties, the beautification committee, etc. should waste no time pressing funding proposals with Rep. Gunn McKay, a ranking member of the House appropriations committee, and enlisting the backing of the full Utah congressional delegation. Now is the time to press the project to completion.