Representative Cheryl K. Acton proposes the following substitute bill:


1     
JORDAN RIVER AMENDMENTS

2     
2020 GENERAL SESSION

3     
STATE OF UTAH

4     
Chief Sponsor: Cheryl K. Acton

5     
Senate Sponsor: Wayne A. Harper

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This bill addresses the Jordan River.
10     Highlighted Provisions:
11          This bill:
12          ▸     addresses signs, barriers, fencing, and alternative transportation facilities related to
13     the Jordan River;
14          ▸     requires posting of certain signs; and
15          ▸     makes technical changes.
16     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
17          None
18     Other Special Clauses:
19          None
20     Utah Code Sections Affected:
21     AMENDS:
22          65A-2-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 113
23     

24     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25          Section 1. Section 65A-2-8 is amended to read:

26          65A-2-8. Jordan River improvement projects.
27          (1) As used in this section:
28          (a) "Commission" means the Jordan River Commission created by interlocal
29     agreement.
30          (b) "Zone" means the Jordan River Recreation Area, the area 250 yards on each side of
31     the Jordan River from the edge of the river between SR-201 and 4800 South.
32          (2) The division, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and
33     Subsections (3) and (4), may:
34          (a) expend money for the following purposes:
35          (i) enhancing safety, recreation, and conservation in the zone;
36          (ii) capital improvements within the zone, including:
37          (A) lighting along the Jordan River and within the zone;
38          (B) completing construction of a paved pathway on both sides of the Jordan River
39     within the zone;
40          (C) building a boat launch, picnic pavilion, bench, restroom, or other amenity within
41     the zone; and
42          (D) supporting Tracy Aviary, a nature area, bike or boat rental concessionaire, or other
43     partnerships to enhance recreation in the zone;
44          (iii) funding programs to clean the zone, remove invasive species, and restore riparian
45     habitat;
46          (iv) hiring or contracting for personnel to perform tasks as directed by the commission;
47          (v) partnering or contracting with an urban ranger or conservation corp operated by a
48     state institution of higher education or similar service-oriented organizations or programs:
49          (A) to provide trail, river, and parkway maintenance, invasive species removal and
50     revegetation, emergency care, and environmental education for the area 250 yards on each side
51     of the Jordan River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and
52          (B) to report to the appropriate public official all health, safety, or law enforcement
53     concerns that the organization encounters, as directed by the commission; [and]
54          (vi) partnering or contracting with local law enforcement or a certified peace officer to
55     provide patrol, security, and law enforcement for the area 250 yards on each side of the Jordan
56     River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and

57          (vii) work with state and local highway authorities to:
58          (A) post consistent, attractive signs, and work toward opportunities to build consistent,
59     attractive barriers and fences where a highway, as defined in Section 72-1-102, crosses or runs
60     adjacent to the Jordan River; and
61          (B) provide access from a highway to the trails along the Jordan River where the trail
62     can be safely accessed; and
63          (b) purchase, lease, sell, or dispose of property or an easement within the zone to
64     achieve the goals in Subsection (2)(a).
65          (3) (a) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(i) through
66     (2)(a)(iii) or Subsection (2)(b), the division shall receive the approval of:
67          (i) the commission;
68          (ii) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
69     real property within the zone, including Salt Lake County Flood Control; and
70          (iii) the relevant municipality within the zone.
71          (b) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(iv) through
72     (2)(a)(vi), the division shall:
73          (i) receive the approval of the commission; and
74          (ii) consult with:
75          (A) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
76     real property within the zone; and
77          (B) the relevant municipality within the zone.
78          (4) The programs described in this section may only be implemented as appropriations
79     from the Legislature allow.
80          (5) On or before June 30, 2022, the Department of Transportation shall post signs
81     developed under Subsection (2)(a)(vii)(A) on the state highway system that crosses the Jordan
82     River.