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Midway open‑space committee outlines priorities as bond funds and federal grants stall
Summary
Committee members reviewed stalled conservation projects, discussed adjusting focus to smaller parcels, and planned outreach: a February briefing to city council and a March open house. They noted $5 million in bond commitments and an available Land & Water Conservation Fund round.
The Midway Open Space Committee used its regular meeting to reassess a slate of conservation projects and to plan public outreach as federal and state grant opportunities slow.
Committee members said the group remains committed to land preservation but faces carryover effects from reduced federal funding. The committee reported $5,000,000 in bond funds committed to earlier projects and discussed reprioritizing work toward smaller parcels and projects that remain feasible without large federal matching funds.
Why it matters: several high‑visibility parcels — Broody Hill, a hamlet property near the old city dump and Cemetery Ridge by the city cemetery — are priorities for the committee. Members said those parcels have access, slope or annexation issues that complicate conservation deals and that the committee may need targeted assessments before advancing purchases or easement offers.
The committee discussed specific constraints: Cemetery Ridge is affected by the committee’s sensitive‑lands rules (steep slopes where 25% grade limits development) and difficult road access, making conventional development unlikely and conservation more feasible. Members estimated Cemetery Ridge to be roughly 30 acres and agreed to form a small working group (Glenn, Brad, Kevin) to perform a parcel assessment and explore third‑party outreach.
Committee members also highlighted a federal funding opportunity: the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which committee members said currently has an open round of roughly $6,000,000 county‑level funds and requires strict replacement conditions (acre‑for‑acre and value‑for‑value) on projects it supports.
Outreach: the committee agreed to present an informational briefing to the city council in February (to orient newly appointed council members) and to hold a public open house in March to explain slowed momentum, answer questions and present a map of committed and prospective parcels. Members confirmed marketing support will be provided and discussed logistics for a Saturday open house with town‑hall space or private alternatives.
Small wins and logistics: a member announced the Center Street trail project reimbursement is pending — roughly $750,000 expected in about three weeks — and the committee confirmed ongoing coordination with partner nonprofits (Utah Open Lands, Summitlands Conservancy, Preserve Midway) to complete conservation easements already in progress.
Next steps: form the three‑person parcel assessment team, confirm February council presentation and publicize the March open house with marketing assistance.
