| OCR Text |
Show WASATCH MOUNTAIN TIMES Provo Canyon Highway Expansion: Environmental and Financial Nightmare Continued from page 8 about UDOT’s environmental analysis. They also are raising concerns about whether this exceedingly expensive highway project can still be justified in the face of shrinking highway funds, including one billion dollars-worth of needed improve- On larger questions of the overall environmental analysis, UDOT officials have sometimes listened but never really acknowledged their inadequacies. This could leave UDOT open to litigation, but whether their antagonists ever have the motivation or financial wearwithall to — has never been given a hearing within UDOT, the governor's office, or the Utah Legislature. B: societies cannot blindly follow worn paths indefinitely. The federal Bureau of Reclamation is no longer building large dams and water projects, once the essence of the agency’s ments on the I-15 corridor and a mas- purse existence. sive list of infrastructure repairs. In addition, the Coalition has questioned UDOT’s assumptions about improved safety on the new road. Questioning safety issues the issue in court is not clear. The ultimate question — whether the state can afford to continue to complete the massive 4-lane highway Road builders face a similar fate, for a variety of reasons. Salient among those reasons the fact that the costs and rebuilding that moment may conflict The Canyon is of maintaining the existing infrastruc- ture will eventually swallow up the funds needed to construct new highways. A comparison of Utah’s road repair needs with that of dwindling and state highway funds federal leaves the distinct impression that highway be upon us. over the expansion is heresy to those who were cheerleaders for the new expressway. But the issue of safety has never been analyzed from a rational viewpoint. J Appel, a water attorney from Salt Lake, has provided the Coalition with firepower in their criticism of UDOT’s environmental analysis. One of his foremost points is that UDOT has never examined the environmental impact of the project in its totality: they have “segmented” their analysis, a violation of NEPA process. An example of this transgression is the failure of UDOT to assess the air quality impacts of increased truck traffic in Utah County, an area already plagued by air pollution violations. UDOT officials have met on occasion with members of the Provo Canyon Coalition to discuss concerns. But on the road design, they have usually listened but only rarely have made changes. There Are More Vocal Candidates, But None Is Better Qualified And None Is More Committed. \ Y ith all the boasts being made by Council candidates, it’s good to know that one has already shown he has the qualifications and commitment to make an outstanding councilperson—Hugh Daniels. As a private citizen, Hugh has attended more City Council meetings and work sessions during the past two years than some current Council members. And he has provided leadership for many of our community’s most vital organizations, from the Chamber/Bureau to the School District’s Strategic Planning Task Force. HUGH DANIELS Is COMMITTED To e Slowing growth by adopting a “phased schedule” for further has provided leadership for many of Park City’s most important development e Expanding our community trail system and open space e Requiring new annexations and developments “pay their own way’ e Improving Old Town parking and ’ organizations. traffic conditions e Using his financial expertise to e Supporting efforts to ensure Park City kids have a first-rate education ensure your taxes are spent wisely and ample recreational facilities On November 7, VOTE HUGH DANIELS Paid for by the committee to elect Hugh Daniels Fisherman in Provo Canyon. Provo may be the event that forces such a realization on Utah’s political leaders. @ |
