Senate approves resolution to allow sale or lease of Utah State Developmental Center land for proposed road

The Utah Senate on third reading approved HJR7, a joint resolution that would authorize the board of the Utah State Developmental Center to sell or lease a parcel of land to permit a road crossing the center's property.

Senator Hemmert, speaking for the resolution, said the measure builds on earlier work with the center and local leaders and would enable a new road projected to save "up to 44,000 hours of driving time" and reduce miles traveled by about "1,800,000" annually. He argued the route should reduce vehicle emissions and lower accident risk by shortening trips across the valley. Hemmert also said proceeds from a sale or lease would flow into an account tied to related legislation that would allow the developmental center board to manage the funds if the board sells the land.

Senators debated the measure briefly and then read HJR7 for a third time. By the president’s tally the resolution received 21 "yay" votes, 4 "nay" votes and 4 absences and was approved for third reading.

Sponsor comments in the record emphasize that the decision to sell or lease rests with the center's governing board, not the Legislature, and that the resolution is intended to codify the board's authority for either option. The transcript records the project as a collaborative effort with local leaders and the center's board.

Next steps: HJR7 cleared third reading in the Senate; administrative follow‑up and any land sale/lease decisions would be executed by the Utah State Developmental Center board if the parties proceed.