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U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens Praises Military and Urges Bipartisan Work on Water and Wilderness
Summary
Congressman Wayne Owens addressed the Utah Senate after a Middle East trip, praising U.S. and allied military success in the Gulf, previewing a March hearing on the Central Utah Project, and offering to meet on wilderness proposals with local stakeholders.
U.S. Congressman Wayne Owens visited the Utah Senate and briefed members on his recent 10-day trip to Israel, Egypt and Jordan, emphasizing that the latest diplomatic developments and pending withdrawal terms signal a favorable outcome in the Gulf conflict.
"This has been a military activity far beyond what I thought was possible," Owens said, adding that while he had not voted for the war, he commended the president and the military for what he described as "nothing short of miraculous" operational results. Owens said he expected an international peace summit and noted the United States and allies had set conditions for withdrawal.
On domestic matters, Owens alerted senators to a March 7 House hearing and markup on the Central Utah Project, which he said will provide $790 million for completion of the water project and will require a 35% state contribution for certain irrigation/drainage components. He stressed the need for Utah legislators to engage on the funding and planning details.
Owens also addressed wilderness-designation proposals affecting federally owned lands, said his delegation plans public meetings to study 66 proposed areas, and offered to work flexibly with local leaders to resolve conflicts. He urged senators to participate in hearings and local meetings on both water project details and wilderness boundaries.
Senators thanked Congressman Owens for the briefing; the body recessed soon after and acknowledged the presentation.
