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Amanda Butterfield ReportingFor several years some West Jordan residents have fought to keep a power substation out of their neighborhood, but tonight, it looks like they've lost.
Residents say they don't want it.
Last year residents' efforts paid off when city council members voted against building the substation. Utah power, however, took it to court where a judge sided with the city. That's when the electric facility review board got involved, siding with Utah Power. They said the location, off 7000 south and 3200 west was an ideal place for Utah Power to build and meet residents' needs.
The board's decision overrides the council's and the judges. Tonight, instead of taking it to the supreme court, like residents wanted, the council voted to settle, allowing Utah Power to build.
Margaret Oler, Utah Power: "We are very pleased with this outcome because it means we will be able to begin construction of the facilities that are critical to serving residents of West Jordan this coming summer."
Legal advice given to council members was that they likely wouldn't win the case if it was taken to the Utah supreme court. So they went with the settlement. As part of that settlement, Utah Power must plant trees and build a wall surrounding the substation, as a buffer.
Utah Power will also reimburse the city up to $75,000 for legal fees. Construction will begin as soon as possible.
