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JOINT RESOLUTION URGING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

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FOR THE LEASE OF WATER RIGHTS BY THE

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STATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

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2017 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Margaret Dayton

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House Sponsor: Michael S. Kennedy

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9     LONG TITLE
10     General Description:
11          This joint resolution authorizes a portion of the Utah State Developmental Center's
12     campus, including water rights, to be approved for a long-term lease.
13     Highlighted Provisions:
14          This resolution:
15          ▸     recognizes the important role the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) plays
16     in the provision of resources and support for disabled individuals with complex or
17     acute needs in Utah; and
18          ▸     authorizes approximately 7.7 acres of land and water rights located in the northeast
19     corner of the USDC's campus to be approved for a long-term lease.
20     Special Clauses:
21          None
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23     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
24          WHEREAS, Utah Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5) requires that the Utah State
25     Developmental Center's Governing Board obtain the approval of the Legislature before offering
26     real property or water rights associated with the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) for
27     sale, exchange, or long-term lease;
28          WHEREAS, in 1929, the Legislature established the Utah State Training Center to

29     assist with the care, protection, treatment, and education of individuals with mental disabilities;
30          WHEREAS, the Utah State Training Center, later known as the USDC, was established
31     during an era when relatively little was known about the causes of mental disabilities;
32          WHEREAS, like other states, Utah built a public institution in a remote location and
33     within a broad perimeter of land that provided a physical barrier between the institution and the
34     nearest rural homes and communities;
35          WHEREAS, since its establishment in 1929, the USDC has evolved and improved
36     regarding what public services should be provided for individuals with mental disabilities and
37     how to provide those services;
38          WHEREAS, since state governments first acknowledged a public interest in and
39     accepted some fiscal responsibility for citizens with disabilities, states have made sweeping
40     changes in the philosophy and practice of providing public services to those citizens;
41          WHEREAS, these paradigm shifts have resulted from a growing knowledge about
42     disabilities, including their causes, preventions, interventions, and accommodations;
43          WHEREAS, also contributing to the paradigm shifts was an improving regard for
44     individuals who experience disabilities, as evidenced by public laws that affirm and promote
45     their rights, an expansion of publicly funded services, and greater inclusion by their
46     communities;
47          WHEREAS, the USDC's mission is "dedication to providing an array of resources and
48     supports for individuals with disabilities with complex or acute needs in Utah"; and
49          WHEREAS, the USDC's vision is to "provide an effective, efficient array of critical
50     services and supports that promote independence and quality of life for Utah's most vulnerable
51     individuals with disabilities in partnership with families, guardians and the community":
52          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, in
53     accordance with Utah Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5), authorizes the Utah State
54     Developmental Center's governing board to approve a long-term lease for approximately 7.7
55     acres of land and water rights located in the northeast corner of the USDC's campus.

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