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NORTHERN UTAH -- Three Wasatch Front counties took a major step Wednesday to make the Jordan River corridor a greater community centerpiece.
Utah, Davis and Salt Lake Counties signed a pledge to turn the long-neglected and often-abused waterway into a signature urban amenity. The interlocal agreement created the Jordan River Commission. They want to finish work that's already started and treat the Jordan River like a waterway we're all proud of.
"This is a rapidly growing urban area, and this is sort of the great central amenity between all of our communities that connects us all," said Envision Utah Planning Director Gabe Epperson.
In many communities, a rolling river -- like the Jordan -- is a crown jewel that attracts people for recreation and sensible development. That's what the Jordan River Commission envisions here: one of America's great urban waterways.
Representatives from Salt Lake, Utah and Davis counties signed the interlocal agreement at Salt Lake County's annual Watershed Symposium. The Commission will coordinate planning, preservation and development along the river corridor, which extends about a half mile from the banks.
"We're trying to preserve over 7,000 acres of wetlands and high-quality wildlife habitat, and then restore some of those areas," said Epperson.
Dr. Ty Harrison, a retired Westminster ecology and botany professor, grew up along the river. "This Jordan River thing, I've been waiting for my whole life," he said.
In the past, Harrison has been frustrated by lack of cooperation and follow-through by stakeholders.
"We're doing this for future generations," said Harrison. "I think that's why everyone is so excited. This is a very, very important project."
The counties will work together to preserve natural areas, complete the parkway trail, improve river health, promote recreation opportunities and revive blighted areas.
"I think we can be good stewards of our environment and promote economic development at the same time," said Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon.
More than 3,000 people shared their ideas in the Blueprint Jordan River process that Envision Utah helped start more than three years ago.
"Brainstorming, what do we want the future of the river to be? What are our top priorities? Where do we want preservation? Where do we want development? What types of recreation enhancement do we want?" Epperson said.
The Sandy City Council passed a resolution in support of the agreement on July 27. Other cities are reviewing the agreement and plan to sign when they get formal approval of their councils.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
