Link To More Info UDOT Legacy Highway Website Wetlands Definition & Regulation EPA Rates Draft E.I.S. Unsatisfactory Jan. 1999 Past Stories Will Highway Solve or Create Traffic Problem? April 2000 Governor Fights For Legacy Highway June 1998

Sept. 5, 2000

The much talked about Legacy Highway has hit another bump in the road.

It's a bump called the EPA! The agency is recommending against the highway being built.

News Specialist Richard Piatt has more on what that opinion means.

At the very least it is a setback to Legacy Parkway. The question is how will those for it and against it use that setback?

All along, wetlands have been important in guiding how and where Legacy Parkway can be built. Now, the EPA could stop the project because of them.

In a statement, the Agency rejects the latest plan to minimize wetland damage, saying it doesn't fully offset wetland impacts in the area. The EP-A says it will not issue a crucial permit unless a better plan is drafted.

It's the first time a government agency has taken such a strong position against the highway. And the opposition likes it.

Bob Adler/Utahns For Better Transportation: "I'D SAY THE PROJECT IS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY. IT MEANS THE STATE, UDOT, HAS TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND SERIOUSLY RETHINK WHETHER THEY HAVE PROPERLY JUSTIFIED THE PROJECT AS FAR AS NEEDED."

Traffic does illustrate a need for some solution. The difference of opinion hinges on whether light rail and commuter rail should be considered before the highway.

Most officials in Davis County have opted for the highway. Davis County's Commission Chair is frustrated by EPA's opinion, because it was issued while public hearings are still going on.

Dan McConkie/Davis County Commission Chair: "WE BELIEVE WE'VE DONE ALL OUR HOMEWORK TO SHOW A RIGHT OF WAY THROUGH THERE THAT SHOWS THE MOST GOOD FOR THE MOST CONCERNS."

In spite of the EP-A's concerns, UDOT says the project is moving forward. Their engineers say the opinion is actually a milestone toward guiding an even better final product.

Carlos Braceras/UDOT Legacy Parkway Team: "THIS IS NOT A FATAL FLAW. WE WISH TO MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS WE ARE MOVING AHEAD AND THIS ACTUALLY REPRESENTS PRETTY GOOD PROGRESS ON OUR PART."

The Legacy Parkway has, in fact, changed a lot since it was first proposed. This opinion from the EPA insures that things will change again.