Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 319 First Substitute (2022GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Acton, C.K.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/24/2022

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• directs the Jordan River Commission to work with the Department of Transportation regarding issues related to state highways and the Jordan River; and
• makes technical changes.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

JORDAN RIVER IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS
GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Cheryl K. Acton
Senate Sponsor: 
Wayne A. Harper
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill addresses Jordan River improvement projects.
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
▸ directs the Jordan River Commission to work with the Department of
Transportation regarding issues related to state highways and the Jordan River; 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 2020, Chapter 157
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)
] 
through (5)
, 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 clean the zone, remove invasive species, and 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
(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 commission shall work with the Department of Transportation, created in
Section 
72-1-201
, to:
(a) have the Department of Transportation post by no later than July 1, 2025, as
funding allows, consistent and attractive signs where a highway that is designated as a state
highway under Title 72, Chapter 4, Designation of State Highways Act, but is not a freeway
crosses the Jordan River; and
(b) advise in the development of methods to provide access from a state highway to the
trails along the Jordan River where the trail can be safely accessed.
[
(4)
] 
(5)
 (a) The programs described in this section may only be implemented as
appropriations from the Legislature allow.
(b) Money appropriated to programs in this section are managed by the division in
accordance with this section.
(c) Money that the Legislature appropriates to programs described in this section are
nonlapsing in accordance with Section 
63J-1-602.2
.