Both the Daily Herald and Deseret News have recently had very thoughtful articles on the decision by several government agencies, including the Utah County Commissioners, to permanently shut the Nutty Putty caves, as well as dynamite the portion where John James unfortunately died.
Read the Daily Herald article here: http://bit.ly/52417K
And the Des News article here: http://bit.ly/4QPrOF
This is not an easy decision, but it is an important decision. And it is very indicative of what you think the proper role of government should be, and how much time and effort you're willing to put into getting the right outcome.
I oppose the decision apparently supported by the Utah County Commissioners to permanently seal Nutty Putty cave, as well as dynamite a portion of the cave that took millions of years to form. A single accident does not justify such actions. On the other hand, nor should the taxpayer be required to pay $40,000 or more every time someone gets stuck in those caves.
Instead, I propose serious consideration be given to putting a gate on every entrance, and then certifying 100 or more experienced spelunkers to serve as "guides" to the Nutty Putty cave. You would be required to be accompanied by one of these guides to visit the caves, and have to pay a fee (around $20) towards an insurance/maintenance fund on the cave that could pay for rescue efforts, and maintain the cave. Why not? (Apparently lack of will power, or imagination by our government officials.)
