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House substitutes revision to transportation corridor preservation bill, removing eminent-domain provisions
Summary
The House adopted a substitute to Senate Bill 208 that removes critical-corridor and eminent-domain provisions and instead establishes a cooperative 30‑day process for UDOT and local governments to coordinate corridor preservation; the substitute passed the House and will be returned to the Senate.
The Utah House substituted and passed a revised version of Senate Bill 208 on March 3, changing the bill’s approach to transportation corridor preservation by removing language tied to eminent domain and critical corridors and emphasizing cooperation between the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and local governments.
Representative Deeb (floor sponsor) described the substitute as a "kinder, gentler" bill that preserves UDOT's ability to identify priority corridors while eliminating any provisions authorizing eminent-domain actions. Under the substitute, UDOT will provide a corridor assessment for a municipality or county; the local government then has a cooperative window—typically 30 days—to respond and coordinate with UDOT. If the parties cannot reach agreement and a private developer has "papered" lots in a way that would raise acquisition costs, the process allows that developer to proceed after the 30-day period unless UDOT elects to enter negotiations and purchase the property.
Representative Barratt and others voiced support, saying the substitute addresses earlier concerns by removing eminent-domain authority while retaining voluntary corridor-planning cooperation. Representative Allen asked clarifying questions about the 30‑day period, and the sponsor explained UDOT's opportunity to respond and offer to enter negotiations to protect corridors, which, the sponsor said, can save UDOT millions of dollars.
The House voted and the Clerk reported the substitute passed with 71 yes votes and no recorded opposition; the bill will be referred back to the Senate for further action.
