Foes working to scuttle Legacy pact

While it appears there are enough votes to approve the Legacy Parkway settlement agreement, opponents are working hard to ensure the deal doesn't pass during a special session today.

Tuesday, Rep. Dave Ure, a settlement opponent, said amendments are planned to a bill that is accompanying the final settlement agreement — an action that, if approved, would scuttle the Legacy deal.

"You'll like it," said Ure, R-Kamas, smiling as he wrapped up a press conference Tuesday.

Ure is not proposing the amendment. He wouldn't disclose who is proposing the change but said votes to approve the Legacy deal will be close.

The reason why an amendment to the accompanying bill is worrisome, according to supporters, is that any changes to the bill would mean the final settlement agreement is also changed. If the settlement is changed, those who signed it can back out of the negotiated agreement.

"A vote to amend is a vote to kill the agreement," said Marc Heileson, regional representative for the Sierra Club. "I hope legislators will see an amendment for what it is — a back-handed attempt to kill this."

The accompanying bill changes Utah statute to prohibit trucks on Legacy, something that must be done through legislation, not just in the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement cannot legally be changed. It must be voted up or down.

The settlement agreement includes the following provisions: a ban on truck traffic, no billboards on the west side of the road, speed limits reduced to 55 mph, $2.5 million for a study of light rail and bus rapid transit, and money for trails.

The Utah Department of Transportation maintains that if the settlement isn't passed today, the road likely will be caught in litigation again, resulting in delay and more costs. The current cost to build the road is estimated to be about $680 million.

The Senate looks to have enough votes to pass the deal. House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, has said he has about 30 votes; House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake City, said a majority of his 19-member caucus is in favor of the deal.

A total of 38 votes are needed in the House to approve the Legacy settlement.

Curtis says the deal lawmakers will vote on today is much better than the original deal UDOT presented to lawmakers in July. The original deal would have made the settlement part of a binding federal court order, said Curtis.