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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 12, 2006 Horses congregate in the shade at the southern end of the Provost property south of Ashland. Jackson County commissioners Wednesday approved plans for a golf course and resort on the site. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) Putting out to pasture County commissioners approve Provost's $80-million golf resort outside Ashland; opponents vow appeal By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Under threat of an appeal, Jackson County commissioners Wednesday unanimously endorsed Dom Provost's 20-year drive to create an $80-million golf course resort just outside of Ashland. After the decision, the 78-year-old Ashland resident, wearing a shirt with pictures of golfers on it, said, "It's pretty nice of all of the Board of Commissioners to approve it." Provost said he expects opponents will appeal the decision, and he plans to continue fighting for the project despite his poor health. The Clear Springs Resort is planned for 245 acres between Highway 66 and Interstate 5 about a mile south of Ashland. Provost scaled back original plans for an 18-hole course to nine holes with a hotel, golf villas and other residences. Opponent Connie Foland said the decision will be appealed and criticized commissioners for not following their own ordinance in determining whether too much time had passed since the case was remanded to the county in 1995. The Land Use Board of Appeals found eight problems with the county's decision at that time. Advertisement Commissioner C.W. Smith, however, said the county has full discretion to consider the Provost case despite the time lapse. One of LUBA's concerns then was that the project had changed too much from earlier concepts. And even though further changes have been made in the proposal since then, commissioners said they thought it was well within their authority to approve the latest plan. Commissioner Jack Walker said, "I, like C.W. Smith, feel comfortable with what we have to do today." Commissioner Dave Gilmour, who voiced some sympathy for opponents, said there were many obstacles during the 11-year period that had to be cleared up before the matter was brought back before commissioners. As a result, he thought that for Provost, the clock had been on hold. Gilmour, who is campaigning for re-election, noted he had received a $125 donation from Cynthia Lora, who has been an opponent of the Provost project in the past. Opponent Chris Skrepetos said he thought the commissioners overstepped their authority, which he predicted will not sit well with LUBA. "It will not only be a remand, it will be a reversal," Skrepetos predicted. He cited Oregon law that gives LUBA the authority to make its own determination if it finds that local government makes a decision that is inadequate or fails to interpret land-use laws correctly. During the 1990s, the issue bounced back and forth between the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals and the courts. In the original proposal, water was to come solely from Neil Creek. But under the new proposal, well water also would be used, which neighbors say could jeopardize their own water supplies. The project will use 82,420 gallons of water a day on average for personal use from both the creek and wells. Annual water use for the fairways and other irrigated acres will amount to 270 acre-feet annually, or 88 million gallons from Neil Creek. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com