Utah County reviews private and concept proposals for Bridal Veil Falls; commissioners emphasize public access, traffic and health concerns

Commissioners held a work session on Bridal (Bridal Veil) Falls to review concept designs from a private team and a separate tram proposal that a representative said could be privately funded.

Presenters led by Mike Puglia and Joshua Shipley described a phased concept that focuses first on improving the primary viewpoint: better trails, viewing platforms, restrooms, landscaped picnic areas, and reconfigured parking to reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. “We want it to remain open to the public, not charging people to go there,” a presenter said while describing a plan that would avoid major lodging or large commercial development and instead emphasize educational and heritage interpretation.

Curtis Minor, representing developer Richard Losey, described a separate plan to reestablish a tram that once operated at the site. Minor said the tram’s upper building would include a public viewing area while a separate portion could house Losey’s private drug- and alcohol-recovery facility. “He’d build a tram, support it, and charge a nominal fee,” a commissioner summarized of the proposal, noting the presenter said the work would be privately financed and could include an offer to purchase the county-owned property at the county’s original purchase price so sale proceeds could fund improvements.

Commissioners responded with cautious interest but emphasized conditions they consider essential. Several members said any private operation must preserve public access to the tram and surrounding amenities. One commissioner said the commission had previously rejected an RFP because it lacked guaranteed public access; commissioners reiterated that stance and asked for clarity on ownership, lease options, and how the county’s priorities—preserving the natural setting and public benefit—would be protected.

County staff and technical reviewers highlighted operational and regulatory hurdles. Bryce Larson, Utah County Environmental Health Director, warned that “the more development you have up there, obviously, you’re gonna have issues with … sewage, that type of thing,” and urged early coordination with the health department on sanitation, drinking water and waste containment plans. County legal staff offered to research historical tram operations and advised applicants to consult the health department and other technical agencies early to avoid late-stage conflicts.

Public commenters urged data-driven planning. Burke Garfield, who identified himself as a 30-year county resident, urged market research and surveys to determine whether visitors want a destination attraction or simply a natural, low-impact experience, and whether the county can handle a substantial increase in visitor volume.

Commissioners said the presentations are a starting point for further study rather than a request for formal approval. They asked presenters to provide traffic-flow analyses, clearer proposals for restroom and waste handling, a plan that guarantees public access, and clarification of whether proposed work would be a sale, lease, or joint-use arrangement. The work session ended with commissioners thanking presenters and staff and asking for more detailed proposals and technical analyses in subsequent briefings.