The good: Lawmaker to counter use of eminent domain for trails, other recreation uses

SALT LAKE CITY — The concern over how state and local governments use eminent domain is starting to take shape in the first few days of Utah's legislative session, including an apparently incidental battle over the use of eminent domain to carve trails.

The good: Lawmaker to counter use of eminent domain for trails, other recreation uses Responsive_story_lg

The good: Lawmaker to counter use of eminent domain for trails, other recreation uses Responsive_story_lg

On the first day of the legislative session Monday, the House of Representatives read HB133, a bill that would allow eminent domain for “regionally significant” trails sponsored by Rep. Mike Winder, R-West Valley City. Meanwhile, Rep. Phil Lyman, R-Blanding, told KSL.com he is close to filing a bill that would further restrict the use of eminent domain for trails or other recreational uses. He said he's hoping to have the bill numbered by early next week at the latest.

HB133 explores using eminent domain for a “regionally significant trail system,” which is defined as a trail that goes through multiple municipalities or counties. It calls for using eminent domain to allow for creating a trail that’s at least 3 feet in width and could be used for walking, jogging, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or even motorized scooters.

The state used to allow the eminent domain process for trails, but that changed in 2008. The current law states that eminent domain can’t be used for trails, which is what Winder is seeking to adjust.

“If someone’s building a 100-mile trail system, we don’t want 100 feet in the middle to snarl the whole project,” he told KSL.com last week.

He added that trails are a public good by providing health and recreation opportunities, while also — in the case of the Jordan River Trail — detracting loiterers around riverbanks.

https://www.ksl.com/article/46711433/lawmaker-to-counter-use-of-eminent-domain-for-trails-other-recreation-uses

The good: Lawmaker to counter use of eminent domain for trails, other recreation uses

The good: Lawmaker to counter use of eminent domain for trails, other recreation uses

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