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By now it should be clear to just about everyone that a FrontRunner station should not be built on the site of an ancient Native American village near the Jordan River in Draper.
The site just off Bangerter Highway is an archaeological treasure. Researchers have found evidence of inhabitation dating back 3,000 years, which is hundreds of years earlier than previously thought. Experts say it is one of the top ten archaeological sites in Utah.
That, alone, should prompt UTA to abandon its plans for the location, as well as motivate government leaders to preserve the site as authorized nearly a decade ago by the Utah Legislature. The fact the execution of a conservation easement never occurred raises curious and concerning questions about developer involvement and lawmaker conflicts of interest.
Beyond the possibility of political shenanigans, though, is the importance of the site to the region's Native American community. They view it as sacred ground. At a recent news conference a coalition of tribal leaders called for the 250 acres to be permanently protected. It would be disrespectful, they say, for UTA to build there.
They make a good case. In KSL's view, their collective voice deserves respect. Protect the land and build the Frontrunner station elsewhere.
