Layton Mayor Steve Curtis isn’t very happy with that prospect.
“I’m frustrated. We have been so close a couple times, and then to have it taken out from under us – when it is in the best interest of the county,” he said.
“They’ve appropriated the money. I think it’s a travesty to hold back and play with projects,” Curtis said. “I think it’s important to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s, but it’s time to get it done. This doesn’t make sense” to stall it again.
He called President-Elect Obama’s proposal to pump funds into road projects across the country “a progressive move.”
“It’s a very vital east-west connection, to meet community needs,” Curtis said. “When I think of what comes from the west (traffic volume), to access the freeway congestion.
“That won’t get any better unless there are alternatives that can be used,” he said.
“Layton has been proactive to extend (what is being called) 750 South to the North Legacy corridor,” the mayor continued.
The freeway improvement project has been talked about for well over 20 years by city officials, among others.
Projected to cost more than $60 million, that would include construction of new frontage roads and other amenities, including some that would mean improvements to Old Town Layton.
“It will be beneficial for Old Downtown, but I think it will also be beneficial to the entire county – not just Layton,” because of the retail and entertainment hub that the city has become.
Growth in the composites industry, locally, was also discussed by the mayor.
“The industry has looked very favorably at our East Gate development,” just northeast of Hill Air Force Base on State Road 193, he said.
“In particular, there are developers of a wind turbine who want to work with the base and on turbines, where it is close to the mouth of Weber Canyon,” and often plenty of wind power, Curtis said.
In the immediate future, a 60-acre plus parcel is planned for development next spring. The city is upgrading Fairfield Road into that area.
Developer JL Properties, Inc., has worked on similar projects in the Fairbanks, Alaska area, particularly in relation to military base-related facilities – similar to what is envisioned locally.
“They know how to do it,” he said of JL Properties, with professional and research businesses anticipated for the East Gate business park.
Falcon Ridge, rising to the west between Roy, Weber County, and Clearfield, will compliment Layton’s efforts, the mayor said.
“A lot is going on, there is a very positive economy for this area,” Curtis said.
Population, now estimated at about 65,000 for the city, continues to grow, although at a slower pace.
For example, a new junior high school, currently called Number 15 until a name is selected, is being readied for opening next fall at 3200 West and Hill FIeld Road.
All of this development, hopefully, can be created in such a way to keep the city an inviting place to live, work, as well as visit, he added.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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