Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 278 First Substitute (2020GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Acton, C.K.

Final action

Governor Vetoed 4/1/2020

Outcome

Vetoed

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• addresses signs, barriers, fencing, and alternative transportation facilities related to the Jordan River;
• requires posting of signs; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

JORDAN RIVER AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Cheryl K. Acton
Senate Sponsor: 
____________
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses the Jordan River.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ addresses signs, barriers, fencing, and alternative transportation facilities related to
the Jordan River;
▸ requires posting of signs; and
▸ makes technical changes.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
65A-2-8
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 113
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 
65A-2-8
 is amended to read:
65A-2-8.
Jordan River improvement projects.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Commission" means the Jordan River Commission created by interlocal
agreement.
(b) "Zone" means the Jordan River Recreation Area, the area 250 yards on each side of
the Jordan River from the edge of the river between SR-201 and 4800 South.
(2) The division, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and
Subsections (3) and (4), may:
(a) expend money for the following purposes:
(i) enhancing safety, recreation, and conservation in the zone;
(ii) capital improvements within the zone, including:
(A) lighting along the Jordan River and within the zone;
(B) completing construction of a paved pathway on both sides of the Jordan River
within the zone;
(C) building a boat launch, picnic pavilion, bench, restroom, or other amenity within
the zone; and
(D) supporting Tracy Aviary, a nature area, bike or boat rental concessionaire, or other
partnerships to enhance recreation in the zone;
(iii) funding programs to
:
 (A)
 clean the zone[
,
]
;
(B)
 remove invasive species[
,
]
;
 and
(C)
 restore riparian habitat;
(iv) hiring or contracting for personnel to perform tasks as directed by the commission;
(v) partnering or contracting with an urban ranger or conservation corp operated by a
state institution of higher education or similar service-oriented organizations or programs:
(A) to provide trail, river, and parkway maintenance, invasive species removal and
revegetation, emergency care, and environmental education for the area 250 yards on each side
of the Jordan River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and
(B) to report to the appropriate public official all health, safety, or law enforcement
concerns that the organization encounters, as directed by the commission; [
and
]
(vi) partnering or contracting with local law enforcement or a certified peace officer to
provide patrol, security, and law enforcement for the area 250 yards on each side of the Jordan
River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and
(vii) monitoring the activities of state and local highway authorities and work with the
highway authorities to:
(A) identify opportunities to have consistent, attractive signs, barriers, and fences
where a highway, as defined in Section 
72-1-102
, crosses or runs adjacent to the Jordan River;
and
(B) provide access from a highway to the trails along the Jordan River where the trail
can be safely accessed; and
(b) purchase, lease, sell, or dispose of property or an easement within the zone to
achieve the goals in Subsection (2)(a).
(3) (a) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(i) through
(2)(a)(iii) or Subsection (2)(b), the division shall receive the approval of:
(i) the commission;
(ii) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
real property within the zone, including Salt Lake County Flood Control; and
(iii) the relevant municipality within the zone.
(b) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(iv) through
(2)(a)(vi), the division shall:
(i) receive the approval of the commission; and
(ii) consult with:
(A) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
real property within the zone; and
(B) the relevant municipality within the zone.
(4) The programs described in this section may only be implemented as appropriations
from the Legislature allow.
(5) The Department of Transportation shall post signs developed under Subsection
(2)(a)(vii)(A) on state highways that cross the Jordan River on or before June 30, 2022.