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Historic Legacy Highway Settlement Passed in Utah

Case Updates:

November 15, 2005

Environmentalists and politicians alike are celebrating an historic compromise that allows Utah to construct a new highway that includes a host of environmentally-friendly features designed to protect the neighboring Great Salt Lake wetlands and enhance transportation options for local residents. After eight years of debate and controversy, on November 15, 2005 Governor Huntsman signed legislation that approves the groundbreaking settlement framework negotiated earlier this year for the Legacy Highway. Thanks to give and take on both sides, the project will include environmental measures such as a narrow footprint, reduced speed limit, restrictions on truck traffic and billboards, and a land purchase to help protect the wetlands. The settlement also gives a big boost to transit in the region by funding the environmental review of light rail and bus plans. Hopefully, the compromise will serve as an example of good environmental planning and offer a workable model for other controversial highway projects across the nation.

September 21, 2005

On September 21, 2005, Utah Governor John Huntsman and local Sierra Club activist Brad Yates sat down to sign an historic settlement framework for the Legacy Highway in Utah. After eight years of local opposition, grassroots organizing, and a series of legal actions, the two sides have outlined a detailed plan that will allow a true parkway to be built while minimizing devastating impacts on the local wetlands. The framework includes an array of environmentally-friendly features, including a cap of four lanes, a reduced speed limit, and traffic calming designs. It also includes $2.5 million for environmental reviews of transit projects, including a light-rail and bus plan for the region that will complement the already approved commuter rail line. Finally, the state will also purchase 125 acres of critical wetlands next to the highway, which will protect the Great Salt Lake wetlands and discourage sprawling, unplanned growth along the highway. The plan is a huge victory for community involved transportation planning, smart growth, and our local activists.

Details and Documents:

Governor approves Legacy Parkway pact
November 15, 2005, by Glen Warchol, Salt Lake Tribune

Legacy deal backed
November 13, 2005, by Jerry Spangler, Deseret Morning News

End of the Wild West legacy
November 12, 2005, editorial, Deseret Morning News

Legacy gets a green light
November 10, 2005, by Patty Henetz and Glen Warchol, Salt Lake Tribune

Legacy Parkway "absolutely" will be built in '06
November 10, 2005, by Nicole Warburton and Josh Loftin, Deseret Morning News

Legacy settlement: Legislature should sign off on highway compromise
November 7, 2005, editorial, Salt Lake Tribune

Endorse Legacy compromise
November 6, 2005, editorial, Ogden Standard-Examiner

LEGACY PARKWAY: Agreement points way to a more livable Utah
September 23, 2005, editorial, Salt Lake Tribune

Legacy gets a green light
Litigation ends: If the settlement holds, construction on the parkway could start in May
September 22, 2005, by Patty Henetz, Salt Lake Tribune

Legacy Parkway gets green light
Utah officials, activists hail the proposal, but truckers are unhappy
September 22, 2005, by Nicole Warburton, Deseret Morning News

"Win-Win Solution" Announced for Legacy Parkway
September 2005, Utah Department of Transportation

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

Legacy Parkway Settlement Agreement
October 2005

Agreement in Principle(432k PDF)
September 2005