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Residents protest proposed road project

Posted at 5:51 PM, Feb 23, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-23 19:51:03-05

DAVIS COUNTY, Utah -- A large group of people braved the snow to protest against the proposed West Davis corridor, which is a road project they fear will ruin their quiet community.

There are two options for the proposed freeway—an interchange will be built to the east at Shepard Lane or to the west at Glovers lane. Both Kaysville and Farmington residents don’t want the interchange near their homes.

Residents said they have already given up the wetlands along Legacy Parkway, and they don’t want the state to take control of any more. Residents said the area is a refuge for birds, and it’s also an area much used by joggers, bikers, birdwatchers, hunters and photographers. Resident Jenny DeSpain said people like the area the way it is.

"I think all of us moved out here because it feels rural,” she said. “I know that so many people come out here every morning for their runs and bike rides. It gives people sanity to have places like this, and you can't take them back."

People from a variety of interest groups gathered at the potential road site, and they asked the Utah Department of Transportation to completely reconsider the proposal. Their concerns range from increased pollution to negative impacts on property values in the area.

UDOT is currently conducting an environmental impact study to see how a roadway would affect the surrounding area. The results of the study are expected to be released this spring. UDOT spokesperson John Gleason said they appreciate hearing people’s opinion on the matter.

"We have to go through this process in order to provide the best answers and come to the best decision,” he said. “We value the input from all of the community members as well as the environmentalists.  Through their input it’s going to help us come to the best decision."

A final route decision is expected to come in 2014, but a proposal will be made to the Federal Highway Administration sometime in the next few months.