Some see 'extortion' in Legacy agreement

An "agreement in principle" may have been signed, but there are still obstacles to a final settlement of the debate over the Legacy Parkway.

Two significant barriers have been thrown up — one, by lawmakers who say the state has opened the door for "extortion" from environmental groups. The other is from industry groups concerned about the impacts of a ban on commercial truck traffic on Legacy.

Lobbying efforts are planned as lawmakers prepare to vote on a finalized settlement. The vote will be during a special session, anticipated to occur in October or November.

"It's not over," said Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton. "There are those issues (about trucking) and others that one-third of the Republican caucus has problems with.

"I think the real work to be done is between now and the special session."

When lawmakers meet to vote on a finalized Legacy settlement, their vote can only be yes or no. If lawmakers have concerns about one aspect of the agreement their vote could easily be no, said Adams.

"There is no agreement without special session approval," he said.

When the GOP House caucus met Wednesday to approve the agreement in principle, about one-third opposed it, according to House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander, R-Provo. GOP senators approved it with little dissent, according to Senate Majority Leader Pete Knudson, R-Brigham City.

Alexander says concerns are varied.

"They run across the board," he said. "Some who were close to the negotiations believed there would be some points in the settlement that aren't there. Some will not support any settlement, period. They feel that we don't settle with any group that (through lawsuits) cost state taxpayers more than $200 million."

Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, is one who says the state is opening the door for future lawsuits and "extortion" by environmental groups.

Dave Creer, president of the Utah Truckers Association, said the state is making a significant policy step that will have a negative ripple effect. If the ban on trucks is kept in the final settlement, it will set a precedent that will allow for trucks to be banned on other new roads, he said.

"I have to tell you, the consumer is going to shoulder the cost of this kind of a decision," Creer said. "The citizens will have to pick up the cost to move goods from point A to point B.

"Commerce has been hurt by this decision."

Several members of the truckers association, in addition to agricultural groups, the grocery business and the manufacturer's association, have similar concerns, said Creer. Lobbying efforts are planned, at least by his association.

"I think these groups are going to lobby or protest this ban on trucks on Legacy," he said. "You're going to hear from us."