"Representatives of the Cedar Band of the Paiute Tribe gave an informational presentation to the Iron County Commission recently about its pursuit of its own tax code. The main purpose of the proposal is to levy a tax equal to the state's rates for revenue to pay the service debt for the band's $9 million travel center project and provide infrastructure and governing assistance to its 263 members.

A bill has been filed and sponsored by Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Dist. 28, that would request the tax exemption from the state for its reservation only, which is located eight miles south of Cedar City off the Kanarraville exit, adjacent Interstate 15. An economic development plan for the 2,000-acre reservation has been in planning for more than 15 years and includes, but is not limited to, a truck stop, truck wash, 120-seat restaurant and sewer treatment plant.

The legislation does not carry a fiscal note and the state would not lose its existing revenue. For that reason alone the bill should pass."

Get the Story:
Editorial: State should OK tax exemption (The St. George Daily Spectrum 1/19)

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Cedar Band plans to start construction on travel center (1/14)