With respect to the Legacy West Davis Highway, it appears that no matter where the highway goes, it will have to go through farmland and some wetlands. There is one route that would have some great advantages. It would come out at the 5600 West area in Salt Lake County and head north toward the Bluff Road and Gentile Street in Layton. The following are reasons I believe this route is the best:
(1) Salt Lake International Airport would be protected from floodwaters. (2) Farmington Bird Refuge and wetlands would also be protected from flood waters. (3) It would put the highway far enough away from I-15 so that if there was a hazardous spill or road closure, traffic on Legacy Highway would not be affected. (4) Cities and towns along the way would not be divided by the new highway. (5 There is very little east wind at the Salt Lake Airport or in West Layton that might cause road closures during storms like those experienced on I-15 or roads closer to the mountains. (6) By diverting the water from the proposed Honeyville Dam area, the Legacy Highway could become the dam. It could form a freshwater lake resulting in income from the recreational public. (7) While some wetlands would be affected, it would also protect other greater wetlands and farmland (an unacknowledged endangered species) to the east of the said highway. (8) It would keep the highway west of Farmington city. (9) Sound barriers would not be needed. (10) Views of the mountains and wetlands would be much better. (11) Proper mitigation should be made for those property owners whose land will be used for the highway. Too many times property owners' rights and needs are not considered and court action has to take place to get any kind of justice. (12) This route would still be close enough to the cities and towns to service them. Access to this road could be had or made at 500 South in Bountiful, Pages Lane in Centerville, Burke or Shepards Lane in Farmington, Schick or Gentile Street in Layton. When I speak of greater or better wetlands, I refer to those wetlands that are next to the farmland where the wildlife feed and nest. If the proposed route that the DOT has studied is chosen, they will take some of the best wetlands and farmland as well as some homes. The proposed road is 300 feet wide and 25 miles long from Salt Lake City to Layton and would mean some of 909 acres of land will be needed. More than half of this amount may be good farmland and wetlands, and once this land is paved over it has grown its last crop. If we need this highway, then let's put it where it will serve us the best. It might cost a little more to build the road through part of the lake, but it will be far less than the lawsuits and cost of the better wetlands, good farmlands, and homes that will be condemned.By following the above criteria, the new road would become a true Legacy Highway and not just another commercial road.William B. Rigby
Association of Conservation Districts
Centerville