The Heber Valley Corridor EIS Team is providing you an update regarding our activities through October and what to expect in the coming months.
The draft alternative concepts were published on the project website on October 1 https://hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov/alternative-concepts/. The concepts fall into four main categories: improving U.S. 40, constructing a new road on the west side of Heber City, constructing a new road on the east side of Heber City, and transit.
A virtual public meeting was held over Zoom on Oct. 5. Approximately 120 people signed on to the meeting, which was also broadcast live on Facebook (UDOT Heber Valley Corridor Environmental Impact Statement Group). A recording of the meeting is available on the project website. An in-person public meeting was held at the Heber Valley Elementary School on Oct. 6. Approximately 80 people attended the in-person meeting.
A 30-day public comment period ran from Oct. 5 to Nov. 4. Over 600 comments were submitted by agencies and members of the public. A group representing home, land, farm, and business owners living on or near Mill Road submitted a group comment letter with 193 signatures. Common themes identified so far in the comments reviewed include the following:
- · An east bypass has never been part of the plan; a west bypass has been planned.
- · East bypass impacts quality of life in existing residential neighborhoods.
- · East bypass concerns re: safety of students of four schools in Mill Road area.
- · A bypass should be placed where it would impact the fewest people.
- · West side is much less developed (fewer homes and schools).
- · Something needs to be done about congestion.
- · Congestion on Main Street is preferable to impacting so many homes and neighborhoods.
- · The north fields and south fields should be preserved. Please don’t impact the fields.
- · A bypass should connect to U.S. 40 farther to the north (River Road) for a long-term solution. Development will continue to the north.
We are in the process of reviewing all comments submitted. If appropriate, we will add additional concepts or revise the concepts presented before we begin the screening process.
UDOT will document the screening process, methodology and results in an alternative development and screening report. This report will also include public comments received during the recently completed alternative concepts comment period and provide responses for key themes and frequently submitted comments. UDOT anticipates this report will be posted on the project website for public review and comment in early 2022.
Visit the project website for more information https://hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov/. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Thank you,
The Heber Valley EIS Team
--
Heber Valley Corridor EIS Project Team
hebervalleyeis.udot.utah.gov
801-210-0498