From Deseret News archives:
Chamber pushes Legacy talks
Resolution favors negotiations to end litigation against parkway
But the resolution, approved last week, includes several strongly worded statements. Notable are two paragraphs that say a proposed ban on commercial truck traffic on the highway is detrimental to economic development.
The resolution states: "The agreement-in-principle includes some restrictions and provisions that the Chamber deems detrimental to economic development, growth and commerce, including a prohibition of trucks using the Legacy Parkway. . ."
Chamber president Lane Beattie emphasized, however, that despite the truck ban included in a draft settlement, the Chamber still supports negotiations that will lead to construction of the Legacy Parkway.
"We strongly encourage the Legislature to adopt the final agreement," he said. "That is being said even in light of the fact that we know the ban on trucks is an issue. Trucks are a very important part of this entire negotiated agreement, but it is from a business standpoint that we encourage them to get under construction and under way as soon as possible."
The Chamber has released previous statements in support of Legacy. The road, along with other state transportation systems, is critical to economic development, according to Beattie.
Scott Hymas, CEO of RC Willey and a Chamber member, said: "I agree with supporting a negotiated agreement. The litigation has gone on long enough. We don't have a final agreement or actual definition of 'truck traffic,' but I think for all parties involved, we believe in a negotiated settlement."
On Sept. 21, the governor's office signed what is known as an agreement-in-principle with plaintiffs in the 2001 suit against Legacy. Key aspects of the draft agreement include the following: a prohibition on truck traffic; a speed limit set at 55 mph; no billboards; noise-reducing pavement; and a pledge of $2.5 million for an environmental study of mass transit.
In early November, lawmakers plan to meet in a special session to vote for or against a formal settlement agreement. Whether they have enough votes to pass the agreement is still up for debate; several groups have announced they do not support the agreement because it includes a ban on trucks.
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
