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Senate advances bill to study and preserve open space near state prison
Summary
Senate Bill 37, introduced Feb. 4 by Senator Evans, would charge a critical‑lands task force to survey, assess and negotiate preservation of a state‑owned riparian parcel near the state prison. The Senate passed SB37 on third reading, 22–0, and sent it to the House.
Senate Bill 37, introduced Feb. 4 by Senator Evans, would create a critical‑lands task force to study and recommend preservation measures for a tract of state‑owned river‑bottom land adjacent to the state prison and along the Jordan River.
In floor remarks, Senator Evans outlined the parcel’s features and constraints: uncertain and old boundary surveys complicated by a river channel that has shifted; archaeological and historical interest (the State Historical Society identified a large former Native village on the site); past use as a prison dump requiring environmental review; and the potential to negotiate trail connections with local communities. He described the land as a valuable urban open‑space buffer that could help prevent residential encroachment near the prison and noted the Department of Corrections had reviewed the proposal and supports it.
Senator McAllister, speaking as a member of the critical‑lands committee, expressed strong committee support for the measure. Evans said the bill authorizes the task force to work during the coming year to determine appropriate use and to pursue boundary surveys and negotiations with adjacent property owners.
The Senate placed the bill on third reading; a roll‑call vote produced 22 aye votes, no nay votes and seven absent, and the presiding officer announced that SB37 passed and would be returned to the House.
Why it matters: If enacted, SB37 would direct a year‑long study of a parcel that senators described as having ecological, historical and public‑safety implications because of its proximity to the prison. The bill includes surveying and intergovernmental coordination; it does not itself appropriate funds for acquisition or improvements but was described in debate as a "fiscal‑note" bill that will need budgeting/prioritization.
Next steps: The bill passed the Senate on third reading and will go back to the House; senators indicated a public information/trail display would be arranged to brief members next week.
