OCR Text |
Show By GARY R. BLODGETT LAYTON The on-again, off-again proposed interchange on Interstate Highway High-way 15 at Antelope Drive in north Lay ton is on again, according to the Utah Department Depart-ment of Transportation. DYKELEFEYRE, pre-conslruction (design) (de-sign) engineer for the Ogden District of DOT, said delays in obtaining federal funds have postponed the proposed project, but that the project is still on track and that bids could be let as early as this fall. He explained that the project was earmarked ear-marked for construction to begin late this year following a mid-summer bid opening. Now the bid opening is set for sometime after October 1, the date that new 1981 fedcra! budget siaiis. "FEDERAL FUNDING w ill probably be available in next year's budget," said Mr. LeFevre. "Construction is expected to begin be-gin next spring and be completed about mid-summer next year." He emphasized that the Dot is assuming that the funds will be available and design work is continuing. Also, the DOT is proceeding pro-ceeding with negotiations for purchase of rights-of-ways that will be needed. MR. LEFEVRE said the interchange will be much the same as previously advertised. It will be "diamond shaped" with on and off ramps on both sides of the interstate at Antelope Drive. "This is a top priority project for the State DOT," said Mr. LeFevre. "The governor gov-ernor and others are enthusiastic about the project and we expect to get the green light just as soon as funding becomes available." avail-able." HE EXPLAINED that 95 percent of the total cost of the project an estimated $3.8 million will come from federal funds while the state will pay the remaining five percent, primarily for purchase of rights-of-way. The interchange should also provide a boost to Davis County's business economy. eco-nomy. "SEVERAL businesses, some of them from out-of-state, have inquired about the interchange," said Mr. LeFevre. "Motel chains, like Holiday Inn, are interested as w ell as restaurants and other tourist attractions. attrac-tions. The interchange will do a lot to boost tourism in this area." Meanwhile , Gov. Scott Matheson has indicated in-dicated that the proposed interchange is a "state priority" as is the development of Antelope Island as a state park. THE INTERCHANGE will give tourists a straight route west into Syracuse, across the causeway and onto Antelope Island. Presently, more than 500,000 tourists visit the state park on the north tip of Antelope Hand and the only access is by w ay of the Syracuse causeway. With the purchase of the entire island by the state w hich is still in court litegation Antelope Island State Park could accommodate several million tourists annually, according to State Park and Recreation Re-creation officials. IF THE state is successful in the purchase purch-ase of the 25,469-acres island, a "loop road" is planned whereby visitors may enter en-ter the island on the south end by way of Interstate Highway 80, travel the length of the island, and access onto the Syracuse causeway and hence to Interstate Highway 15. So far, $3.2 million has been appropriated appropri-ated by the Utah State Legislature for buying the island's remaining 23,649 acres. The state already owns 2,000 acreron the north tip of the island. BUT ISLAND owners have rejected both a cash settlement and a trade (for other grazing land) by the State. Island owners are asking upwards of $H million for the island because, the allege, there arc many minerals on the island. If purchased by the state, plans call for development of the island suitable for tourism tour-ism but to maintain much of the island in its natural status. Much of the island would be preserved as a w ildlife habitat for the many animals and birds that presently roam on the island. HOWEVER, in addition to the proposed loop road, state plans call for off-highway trails, hiking trials, improved beach facilities, facili-ties, picnic and camping facilities, nature paths, shower and toilet facilities, a combination com-bination museum and information center, and much more. The island would be developed under state control with a minimum amount of commercial development allowed. The old ranch home near the center of the island, which is one of the old est structures in the state, would remain as a pioneer museum and several hundred acres would reamin as a natural wildlife habitat. |