“The federal government approved this road and Washington County, relying on that approval, spent several years and $6 million in taxpayer funds to meet extensive environmental requirements,” Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow stated. “The Biden Administration’s attempt to now revoke that approval is not only unlawful, but is also a slap in the face to our county’s citizens. We refuse to stand idly by. There needs to be legal consequences. That’s why we have filed this lawsuit.” The Utah Department of Transportation has also spent over $8.5 million in state funds on the Northern Corridor.
In addition to the large financial repercussions, overturning the prior decision to approve the Northern Corridor will risk the protected status of Zone 6 of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. This area west of Bloomington and south of Santa Clara was added to the Reserve as part of the HCP’s response to the 2021 Northern Corridor approval. Almost half of Zone 6 is owned by the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA). “Much of this land will be sold for development if the prior plan’s approval is undone, leading to permanent habitat destruction, and ultimately the decimation of hundreds of desert tortoises and thousands of endangered dwarf bear-poppy plants,” Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist warned.
You can view the full press release and compliant at the link below.
https://tinyurl.com/Washingtoncountylawsuit