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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Hikers, cyclists and some local officials are lobbying Gov. Jon Huntsman to veto a bill that would make it tougher for local governments to take private land to create new recreation trails.
The Legislature passed the measure this session in response to Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson's efforts to take a piece of disputed land on the city's border with North Salt Lake and preserve it as open space.
An amendment aimed at off-road trails was added in the last days of the session, which ended March 1. It would not affect sidewalks or roadside bike paths.
The Utah League of Cities and Towns, the Utah Association of Counties and local trail users said the provision adds an unnecessary hurdle for city or county governments. The Wasatch Front Regional Council, a group aimed at regional growth and transportation planning, is also concerned the measure could affect land-use planning.
Huntsman's spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, said Friday that the governor has not made a decision on whether to veto Senate Bill 117. He has until Tuesday to act on it.
Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, said he added the trails amendment to protect private property rights. He said eminent domain should be used only as a last resort to provide essential services -- power, water, sewer and transportation.
"Property rights are paramount," he told the Deseret Morning News on Friday. "That's one of the main reasons the country was founded in the first place. For any governmental entity to take that property away so someone else can recreate on it is a ridiculous notion."
Trail advocates said eminent domain is rarely used for recreation paths.
"But this bill drastically alters any future negotiation for obtaining lands or easements for trails. The tool should remain in our toolbox for trails, just like other public projects," wrote Sarah Bennett Alley of Friends of Emigration Canyon Trails & Open Space in an e-mail to trails advocates.
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Information from: Deseret Morning News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
