|
New
Mexico home to some of richest, poorest Westerners.
Recently released census data show the rural West sharply divided
between haves and have-nots, and nowhere is the contrast more apparent
than northern New Mexico.
Albuquerque Tribune; Jan. 11
Lawmaker
would add causeway, developments to Utah Lake.
One Utah lawmaker wants to develop Utah Lake, the largest freshwater
lake west of the Mississippi, by dredging it and building a causeway
to make it more attractive for recreationists and homebuilders.
Deseret News; Jan. 10
Critics
say Montana's mine monitoring can't be trusted.
Critics said Montana officials have such a poor record of monitoring
and enforcing mining regulations that they can' be trusted to oversee
the recently approved Rock Creek copper and silver mine.
Missoulian; Jan. 11
EPA
wants emergency to pull insulation from Libby homes.
Regional EPA officials are asking for an emergency declaration that
would let them remove asbestos-tainted insulation from local homes
but without triggering a nationwide program.
Billings Gazette; Jan. 11
EPA
approves Phoenix dust-control plan.
EPA officials approved Phoenix' plan to meet particulate standards
as a major step toward cleaner air, but activists were preparing to
sue because the plan doesn't incorporate the latest abatement measures.
Arizona Republic; Jan. 11
Colorado
commission ends agencies' feud over elk farms.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission approved a five-year surveillance
period on importing domestic elk, two years longer than state agriculture
officials.
Denver Rocky Mountain News; Jan. 11
Falling
aquifers cut production at Montana hatcheries.
Dropping water tables threaten two key northwest Montana trout hatcheries,
where flows are already lower than last year's ebb.
Billings Gazette (AP); Jan. 11
Hatch
calls Utah's planned child-insurance cuts 'ridiculous.'
Utah's U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch criticized state lawmakers' proposed
cuts in the CHIP program, which Hatch co-authored and which provides
insurance to low-income children.
Salt Lake Tribune; Jan. 11
- Utah's
vulnerable argue against budget cuts.
Utah's elderly, poor and mentally ill are telling legislators
that $20 million in proposed cuts from social services would make
their lives unmanageable.
Salt Lake Tribune; Jan. 11
Agencies
say Idaho governor's budget will mean fewer services.
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne said he hoped his spare budget wouldn't
cut services, but agencies said 10 percent lopped off their spending
could mean little else.
Idaho Statesman; Jan. 11
Wyoming
governor's budget still short on school spending.
Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer's amended budget boosts revenue estimates
but still leaves school funding short of last year's amounts.
Casper Star-Tribune; Jan. 10
Colorado
lawmakers race time to come up with redistricting plan.
Colorado's GOP leaders proposed four redistricting plans, and lawmakers
have 11 days left to pick one before a judge draws the lines for them.
Denver Rocky Mountain News; Jan. 11
Western
cities lost jobs to terrorist attacks.
Las Vegas was first and Denver was 22nd among 315 cities for the number
of jobs lost as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Denver Post; Jan 11
Company
argues to drill for methane near Bozeman Pass.
A drilling company told a Bozeman-area planning board that the methane
underlying Bozeman Pass is worth millions, and despite residents'
vigorous protests, it should be allowed to explore its claims.
Bozeman Chronicle; Jan 11
Local official says Idaho lumber mill could reopen.
A local union official says a lumber mill critical to the local economy
could reopen for one shift a day in Cascade, Idaho, if financing could
be found to refit it and if Burlington Northern doesn't eliminate
rail service.
Idaho Statesman; Jan 11 |
