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Utah's new governor did the right thing recently when he authorized the signing of a conservation easement that will protect one of the state's most significant archaeological finds. Gary Herbert's action means a new FrontRunner station will not be built on a coveted piece of real estate near the Jordan River in Draper.
The agreement is a victory for a coalition of Utah Indian tribes that consider the site with its 3,000 year old artifacts sacred ground. It is also meaningful for history buffs and all Utahns who now will have opportunity to learn more about some of the earliest inhabitants of the Salt Lake Valley. So far, thousands of artifacts have been recovered from the ancient village, which includes evidence of the region's earliest known cultivation of corn.
Besides, it is an appealing piece of open space that over the years will become even more precious as development surrounds it.
Herbert's action also will still allegations of conflict of interest involving developers, lawmakers and others associated with the controversial transaction. The proposed development never really passed the proverbial smell test.
Now, UTA will have to look elsewhere to locate a new FrontRunner Station. As challenging as that may be, those responsible can be assured it is the right thing to do.
