Decisions, decisions
Text 
No Comments [ Add Comment ]D
avis and Weber counties are now collecting an extra $10 for automobile registrations, with the money designated to preserve corridors for future roads and highways.
What that means, of course, is: Let the arguing begin.
Don't get us wrong -- we advocated for the increased fee because, heaven knows, the counties should have been earmarking money for corridor preservation years ago; but, better late than never. This will not be a simple task, though.
In Davis County, for example, the annual revenue derived from the increased fee will be $2 million. If the state chips in its promised matching funds, that'll bring the total to $4 million. It's no insignificant amount, but it's not close to what will be needed -- sooner rather than later.
Decisions on which corridors to preserve will be made by the counties' respective councils of government (COGs): made up primarily of representatives from each city. We hope we're being a little too cynical in suggesting this, but our guess is we're right: Most cities have surveyed their wants and needs when it comes to future roads and highways, and they'll mostly be looking out for No. 1, or making compromises that ensure they'll be favored at some point in the future.
There's nothing nefarious about that way of doing business. Residents of the counties' respective communities expect their leaders to advocate for them -- preserve land for better roads on which they will drive.
For that reason, we hope the COGs will do their best to involve the counties' residents in the decision-making process. As communities begin to make application for the funds to preserve corridor properties, and as the COGs draw up lists for consideration, it would serve everyone involved to take the show on the road to community meetings and open houses. There, residents could have a look at the lists, find out firsthand what the COGs are thinking as they mull their options and -- most importantly -- the people who live in the counties will have the opportunity to provide direct public comment.
Add Your Comment
