The proposed Utah Lake dredging project application will be canceled, then Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands announced Thursday.
Lake Restoration Solutions has claimed for the past five years that its plan to dredge a billion cubic yards of lake bed sediments would result in numerous public benefits — while also creating up to 20,000 acres of developable real estate.
But despite “working tirelessly” with the company, the agency determined the application’s cancellation was required — since the proposal would transfer “sovereign lands” to private parties and violate the “public trust” constitutionally imposed on these lands, according to a news release.
The announcement came about two months after state land managers also concluded that the dredging project was unconstitutional.
The division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has the authority to cancel land exchange applications if cancellation is in the “best interest” of the beneficiaries of that land. The Utah company can reapply with the agency in the future, as can other entities, the release stated.
A spokesperson for LRS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/UNXiZOo
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