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PROVO — A Utah congressman is looking to make sure the "Y" painted on the mountain above Provo remains, asking Congress to let BYU purchase the land around the "Y."
BYU used to own the land around the giant Y on the mountain, but over the years, the area has become forest service land. Representative Jason Chaffetz contends BYU should be allowed to buy the land. Chaffetz recently introduced the "Y Mountain Enhancement Act" bill to Congress, allowing BYU to re-purchase the land.
The school owns the trailhead and part of the lower trail, said BYU spokesperson Todd Hollingshead. The bill would allow BYU to buy 80 acres with a price set by an appraiser and would require the land to remain open to public access.
"The Y Mountain Access Enhancement Act restores ownership of the ‘Y' and Y Mountain Trail to BYU," Chaffetz said. "BYU already owns the trailhead and manages the upper portion of the trail. BYU wants to buy the upper portion to better serve outdoor enthusiasts, visiting tourists, and the entire Utah County community."
Split ownership complicates maintenance and long-term management, which ultimately puts public access at risk. The bill is bipartisan, co-sponsored by BYU alumns in Congress, and has the support of local elected officials. I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process.
–Jason Chaffetz
"Split ownership complicates maintenance and long-term management, which ultimately puts public access at risk," Chaffetz added. "The bill is bipartisan, co-sponsored by BYU alumns in Congress, and has the support of local elected officials. I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process."
Bill details:
- Bill would direct the Department of Agriculture to sell 80 acres of US Forest Service land to Brigham Young University.
- Bill mandates that BYU pay fair market value for the land.
- Bill mandates that BYU cover administrative and appraisal costs associated with the sale.
- Bill mandates that proceeds of land sale be used to reduce the federal budget deficit.
- Bill guarantees that public access to the "Y" and the Y Mountain Trail be maintained following the sale.
- BYU once owned the entire area surrounding the "Y" and the Y Mountain Trail and currently manages the US Forest Service portion of the Y Mountain Trail.
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