Hurricane (Utah)

Entity: 519
Entity Type: Municipality

Abstract

Early settlers of Washington County were faced with the problems of limited farm land and too little water. Virgin River communities were also plagued by flooding. In the second generation, residents sought a solution to this problem by constructing a canal which brought water to a vast expanse of land called Hurricane Bench. Construction of the Hurricane Canal began in 1893, and was completed in 1905. The availablility of water on the bench allowed people from the upriver communities of Grafton, Rockville, Springdale, and Shunesburg to relocate in Hurricane. Hurricane was incorporated 18 June 1912.

Biography/History Notes

Utah municipal governments perform numerous functions, including the maintaining of law and order, guarding public health and sanitation, promoting recreation, and providing fire protection. Municipal governments also construct and maintain streets, sidewalks, water works, and sewers.

As a third class city, Hurricane established a traditional mayor and city council government. This government consists of a mayor and five council men who are elected by the community for four year terms. The city council functions as a legislative governing body for the community and the mayor as the chief executive.

The first settlers moved to Hurricane Bench in 1906, and by 1910 the population had grown to 366. In May 1912 the residents petitioned the county commission to incorporate as a town. Hurricane was incorportated 18 June 1912. Hurricane became a third class city (classified as communities with a population between 800 and 3,000) on 1 November 1935.

Hierarchy

Hurricane (Utah)

Functions

Public administration