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9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This joint resolution of the Legislature authorizes the Utah State Developmental Center
12 Board (governing body) to approve the sale or long-term lease of land associated with
13 the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC) for the purpose of building an east-west
14 connector road.
15 Highlighted Provisions:
16 This resolution:
17 ▸ recognizes the important role the USDC plays in the provision of resources and
18 support for individuals with intellectual disabilities who have complex or acute
19 needs;
20 ▸ recognizes the contributions that members of the community make to the USDC;
21 ▸ recognizes the value of an east-west connector road for the environment, the
22 economy, the local community, and individuals who visit, volunteer, and work at
23 the USDC; and
24 ▸ authorizes the governing board to approve the sale or long-term lease of land
25 associated with the USDC for the purpose of building an east-west connector road.
26 Special Clauses:
27 None
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29 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
30 WHEREAS, Utah Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5) requires that the Utah State
31 Developmental Center Board (governing board) obtain the approval of the Legislature before
32 offering real property or water rights associated with the Utah State Developmental Center
33 (USDC) for sale, long-term lease, or other disposition;
34 WHEREAS, in 1929 the Legislature established the Utah State Training Center, later
35 known as the USDC, to assist with the care, protection, treatment, and education of individuals
36 with intellectual disabilities;
37 WHEREAS, like other states, Utah built the public institution in a remote location and
38 within a broad perimeter of land that provided a physical barrier between the institution and the
39 nearest rural homes and communities;
40 WHEREAS, since state governments first acknowledged a public interest in, and
41 accepted some fiscal responsibility for, citizens with intellectual disabilities, states have made
42 sweeping changes in the philosophy and practice of providing public services to those citizens;
43 WHEREAS, these paradigm shifts have resulted from a growing knowledge about
44 intellectual disabilities, including their causes, prevention, interventions, and accommodations;
45 WHEREAS, also contributing to the paradigm shifts was an improving regard for
46 individuals who experience intellectual disabilities, as evidenced by public laws that affirm and
47 promote their rights, an expansion of publicly funded services, and greater inclusion by their
48 communities;
49 WHEREAS, the governing board oversees and makes recommendations to the
50 Legislature concerning the development of real property associated with the USDC for the
51 long-term benefit and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who
52 receive care or support from the USDC;
53 WHEREAS, each year individuals from the local community provide over 16,000 hours
54 of volunteer service to the USDC;
55 WHEREAS, according to a 2017 Department of Transportation managed study, by the
56 year 2040, an east-west connector road is projected to save up to 44,000 hours of driving time
57 each year and reduce miles traveled each year by 1.8 million;
58 WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
59 benefit USDC volunteers, visitors, and staff members; and
60 WHEREAS, the improved access that an east-west connector road will provide will
61 reduce response time for public safety personnel who serve the USDC, thus improving safety
62 and security for USDC residents:
63 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature, in accordance with Utah
64 Code Subsection 62A-5-206.6(5), authorizes the governing board to approve the sale or
65 long-term lease of land associated with the USDC for the purpose of building an east-west
66 connector road, according to specifications provided by the Department of Transportation in
67 collaboration with the governing board, and in consideration of the resolution passed by the
68 governing board on May 17, 2017.
69 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature directs that the Department of
70 Transportation and all other governmental entities involved in the construction of the east-west
71 connector road take all reasonable steps to mitigate any negative impact on the Utah State
72 Developmental Center or private property.