1     
JORDAN RIVER IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS

2     
2022 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 Jordan River improvement projects.
10     Highlighted Provisions:
11          This bill:
12          ▸     directs the Jordan River Commission to work with the Department of
13     Transportation regarding issues related to state highways and the Jordan River; and
14          ▸     makes technical changes.
15     Money Appropriated in this Bill:
16          None
17     Other Special Clauses:
18          None
19     Utah Code Sections Affected:
20     AMENDS:
21          65A-2-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2020, Chapter 157
22     

23     Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
24          Section 1. Section 65A-2-8 is amended to read:
25          65A-2-8. Jordan River improvement projects.
26          (1) As used in this section:
27          (a) "Commission" means the Jordan River Commission created by interlocal
28     agreement.
29          (b) "Zone" means the Jordan River Recreation Area, the area 250 yards on each side of

30     the Jordan River from the edge of the river between SR-201 and 4800 South.
31          (2) The division, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and
32     Subsections (3) [and (4)] through (5), may:
33          (a) expend money for the following purposes:
34          (i) enhancing safety, recreation, and conservation in the zone;
35          (ii) capital improvements within the zone, including:
36          (A) lighting along the Jordan River and within the zone;
37          (B) completing construction of a paved pathway on both sides of the Jordan River
38     within the zone;
39          (C) building a boat launch, picnic pavilion, bench, restroom, or other amenity within
40     the zone; and
41          (D) supporting Tracy Aviary, a nature area, bike or boat rental concessionaire, or other
42     partnerships to enhance recreation in the zone;
43          (iii) funding programs to clean the zone, remove invasive species, and restore riparian
44     habitat;
45          (iv) hiring or contracting for personnel to perform tasks as directed by the commission;
46          (v) partnering or contracting with an urban ranger or conservation corp operated by a
47     state institution of higher education or similar service-oriented organizations or programs:
48          (A) to provide trail, river, and parkway maintenance, invasive species removal and
49     revegetation, emergency care, and environmental education for the area 250 yards on each side
50     of the Jordan River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and
51          (B) to report to the appropriate public official all health, safety, or law enforcement
52     concerns that the organization encounters, as directed by the commission; and
53          (vi) partnering or contracting with local law enforcement or a certified peace officer to
54     provide patrol, security, and law enforcement for the area 250 yards on each side of the Jordan
55     River from the edge of the river for the entire length of the river; and
56          (b) purchase, lease, sell, or dispose of property or an easement within the zone to
57     achieve the goals in Subsection (2)(a).

58          (3) (a) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(i) through
59     (2)(a)(iii) or Subsection (2)(b), the division shall receive the approval of:
60          (i) the commission;
61          (ii) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
62     real property within the zone, including Salt Lake County Flood Control; and
63          (iii) the relevant municipality within the zone.
64          (b) Before engaging in any activity described in Subsections (2)(a)(iv) through
65     (2)(a)(vi), the division shall:
66          (i) receive the approval of the commission; and
67          (ii) consult with:
68          (A) any relevant governmental entity that owns or is responsible for the maintenance of
69     real property within the zone; and
70          (B) the relevant municipality within the zone.
71          (4) The commission shall work with the Department of Transportation, created in
72     Section 72-1-201, to:
73          (a) have the Department of Transportation post by no later than July 1, 2025, as
74     funding allows, consistent and attractive signs where a highway that is designated as a state
75     highway under Title 72, Chapter 4, Designation of State Highways Act, but is not a freeway
76     crosses the Jordan River; and
77          (b) advise in the development of methods to provide access from a state highway to the
78     trails along the Jordan River where the trail can be safely accessed.
79          [(4)] (5) (a) The programs described in this section may only be implemented as
80     appropriations from the Legislature allow.
81          (b) Money appropriated to programs in this section are managed by the division in
82     accordance with this section.
83          (c) Money that the Legislature appropriates to programs described in this section are
84     nonlapsing in accordance with Section 63J-1-602.2.