FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A demonstration was held Saturday by people who opposed the planned West Davis Corridor project.
Hundreds gathered to assemble a nearly two mile-long line up of air boats, bikes even farm and horse equipment.
UDOT wants to build the West Davis Corridor Freeway, but has yet to determine whether it'll go through a residential neighborhood or through wetlands.
“The less impact we have on our wetlands the better off we're going to be,” said Josh Noble, who opposes the wetland option. “Ducks and geese don’t like freeways anymore than deer and elk do.”
“There’s wildlife impacts, biological impacts, it brings air pollution and visual pollution,” said Laurie Kalt, who also opposes the wetland option.
The other alternative is to build the freeway through a residential neighborhood which would destroy ten homes.
“We hope they chose the Glover lane route because they won't have to take out any homes,” said Bruce Campbell whose home would be destroyed. “We appreciate and care about the parks as well, but those can be relocated easier than the families and kids having to find new schools.”
Those who want to save the neighborhood argue more homeowners would be affected. 214 homes would be within 300 feet of the highway versus 37 if UDOT went with the wetland option, according to Mayor Steve Hiatt, of Kaysville.
UDOT tells ABC4 they are carefully weighing each option.
“When you're doing a project like this it's so important to get input, get all the information that you can get the environmental and the community concerns and from there we can make the best decision for the area,” said John Gleason, UDOT spokesperson.
UDOT is expecting to release studies on both options in the spring. At that time there will be public information meetings when members of the community will be invited to let their voices heard.
