Group questions Utah Lake bridge decision process

PROVO — The possibility of a bridge over Utah Lake troubles Jim Westwater, and not just because of possible environmental consequences.

Westwater, chairman of the Utah Valley Earth Forum, worries that those making decisions on the project may be biased.

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands will have the final say on the proposed six-mile, $600 million, privately funded toll bridge across the lake that would span from just north of Pelican Point in Saratoga Springs to 800 North in Orem.

Westwater says comments made during a Utah County Commission meeting earlier this year have him questioning the division's ability to make an impartial decision on the proposed crossing.

Dave Grierson, sovereign lands coordinator with the state lands division, talked about Gov. Gary Herbert's position on the project during the meeting.

"The governor reiterated his stance that he doesn't want the state to obstruct legitimate business ventures and that he believes in the free-market system," Grierson said. "And he said he'd support the project if the environmental, financial and other issues are adequately addressed."

Carol Walters, a Provo resident who represents the Utah Valley Earth Forum at commission meetings, took that statement to mean the governor wants the bridge to be built and that the division should do what it can to make it happen.

"It was very evident that the governor's opinion had had an effect on Mr. Grierson that could be seen as his marching orders," Walters said, "and we think that challenges the impartiality of the process."

Herbert's spokeswoman, Angie Welling, said the governor has not taken a stance on the proposed bridge and will not do so until a final analysis of its possible impacts is completed.

"(Utah Valley Earth Forum members) have taken a couple quotes and have interpreted them to meet their agenda," said Dick Buhler, director of the state lands division.

Buhler said the division will go through a thorough review and analysis before making any decision.

Westwater wants a full environmental impact study done before a decision on the project is made. However, because the proposed bridge does not go through any wetlands and because the Army Corps of Engineers turned over the project to the state, Grierson said it would be contrary to law to require an environmental impact study that would cost developer Utah Crossing millions of dollars.