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Open Space committee backs $750,000 recommendation to city council for Heart of Midway easement
Summary
Utah Openlands presented the Heart of Midway conservation package and the Midway Open Space Committee voted to recommend that the city council consider $750,000 from a proposed bond to help secure matching funds and close multiple landowner easements.
The Midway Open Space Committee voted to recommend that the city council consider a $750,000 contribution to the Heart of Midway conservation effort after a presentation by Wendy of Utah Openlands.
Wendy told the committee the Heart of Midway brings together four neighboring landowners to protect a contiguous set of pastures and viewsheds, including a locally iconic red barn. She said federal funding originally secured through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) was frozen and that Utah Openlands is reapplying; the project also relies on private matches and landowner contributions. "We see this as one of the 'superstar model' projects where smaller parcels together create outsized public benefit," Wendy said.
The presenter described prior bond dollars already allocated to similar projects and told the committee the Heart of Midway needs additional local dollars to complete appraisals and to leverage other sources. Transcript records show the presenter asked the committee to recommend an additional $750,000 from the forthcoming bond to help complete the conservation-easement purchases and match other funds.
Chair (speaker 1) put the request to the committee and asked for a motion to present a recommendation for $750,000 to city council. A motion was made and seconded and the committee voted "Aye"; the chair recorded that the motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: the committee framed the Heart of Midway as a locally significant collection of smaller parcels that together protect views and open space and can be leveraged by federal and private funding. Committee members emphasized that a recommendation from the committee would strengthen foundation and federal grant applications because it shows local dollars are committed.
Next steps: committee staff and Utah Openlands will prepare materials for a July 7 presentation to city council and continue due diligence and grant reapplication work. The committee asked that members attend the city-council presentation in case council members raise technical questions.
