Utah’s entire congressional delegation as well as Gov. Spencer Cox and a Native American tribe strongly criticized the Bureau of Land Management’s decision for its “preferred route,” regarding a proposed highway in Washington County.
Instead of creating the new corridor, the BLM instead opted to extend the Red Hills Parkway, which critics say ignores a growing traffic problem and is in stark contradiction to what local officials sought as a way to counter the population explosion there.
“I am exasperated that the Biden Administration refuses to support the preferred alternative identified by local leaders and UDOT,” Cox said.
“The BLM’s plan doesn’t improve traffic congestion, hurts world-class recreation opportunities and fails to actually help the desert tortoise. It’s unwise and unworkable, and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to reverse the decision and get the road built.”
Cox said the decision specifically impacts:
- Moe’s Valley and Green Valley Gap climbing areas.
- Bearclaw Poppy Trail and Zen Trail mountain biking areas.
- 65 miles of other multi-use trails.