In 2001, the Sierra Club and Utahns for Better Transpor- tation filed a successful suit against Legacy in the 10th District Court in Denver. The court halted construction of the road until the state and federal officials could restudy several environmental concerns.

Lawmakers close to the negotiations say the settlement is still the best answer. Federal statutes, they say, make it easy for groups to sue and continue suing over small details.

"As long as those federal statutes remain, we will find ourselves in this situation time and time again," said Killpack.

Said Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton: "In my opinion, it's better to come to a negotiated settlement than go back into litigation. After being involved in this for 12 years and looking at the potential of several more years of litigation, a settlement agreement is a very positive thing for everyone involved."

As of midafternoon Friday, the governor's office had yet to say whether a special session would be called on Nov. 9. Adams said plans are to distribute the final settlement agreement to lawmakers sometime early next week.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com