URC Fighting for Last Piece of Jordan River Open Space
Birdsong and sighing wind are the only sounds to interrupt the solitude as the river flows past. High banks protect uplands and meadows silhouetted by distant mountains. Hawks circle overhead. If you stay still a red fox may come out to hunt. This is a peaceful spot in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley. But it could be lost forever.
A massive development along the Jordan River threatens to destroy the largest last open space along the river and bury a 3,000 year old Native American village.
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) plans to construct a commuter rail station on this tranquil site, along with a huge commercial and residential development. Several UTA board members have had personal financial interests in pushing this destructive proposal leading many to wonder why so many state and federal laws were violated by UTA.
At risk are 152 unspoiled acres along the Jordan River comprising some of the most pristine wetlands, riparian zones and grassy uplands in the entire Salt Lake Valley. Wildlife is abundant. Myriad waterfowl use the wetlands and open water. A black bear was even found here in just 2006.
Archaeologists have found remains of ancient pit structures and estimate there may be 1 million artifacts on the site, known as Soo’nkhani to the Native American Tribes of Utah. Soo’nkhani could prove to be one of the most significant archaeological sites ever discovered in Utah.
But in early January 2010, UTA illegally began construction on the Soo’nkhani site. UTA’s careless, illegal bulldozing and digging on the site uncovered and damaged an unknown number of artifacts and violated the Clean Water Act. At the urging of the URC and leaders of the Tribes of Utah, the Army Corps of Engineers issued a cease-and-desist order temporarily halting further construction on the site.
UTA plans to pave over and fill in wetlands, bulldoze meadows, and desecrate ancient artifacts to carry out its scheme. Everyone who cares about Jordan River open space should write a letter to Governor Herbert and tell him the train station should be moved south of Bangerter Highway:
Gov Gary Herbert
Utah State Capitol
350 North State St, Suite 200
PO Box 142220
SLC, UT 84114