SALT LAKE CITY — A Dec. 20 statement from the United States Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service reversed approval of the Northern Corridor. Utah lawmakers responded with dismay and disappointment, while conservation groups rejoiced.
Northern Corridor supporters see the project as congestion relief in an area of continuing development. The highway would connect the northeast side of the St. George area to the northwest.
Conservation groups have long opposed the project because part of it would pass through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. The area serves as a habitat for several native species, including the endangered desert tortoise.
Utah lawmakers “disappointed”
A press release from the Washington County attorney’s office called the decision “deeply disappointing.”
“Today the federal government once again proved its incompetence and loyalty to special interest environmentalists,” said Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow.
Washington County previously sued the BLM and FWS, alleging that the agencies’ revocation of an earlier biological opinion was illegal.
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