S. Springs mayor speaks out against proposed Utah Lake bridge

(Daily Herald) Calling it ill-planned and harmful, the mayor of Saratoga Springs is speaking out against a proposed bridge over Utah Lake.

The location is wrong, it will destroy the city's view of the lake, the toll will cost too much, it will bring unwanted traffic congestion, and it does not compliment the regional transportation plan, said Saratoga Springs Mayor Tim Parker.

"I think the current proposal is largely based on bringing advantages to a specific developer," said Parker, noting that in meetings with the mayor, Leon Harward, who is proposing to build the bridge with private funds, has said he owns land for development around the bridge.

Planners with the Mountainland Association of Governments expect 1 million people to be living in Utah County by 2040, creating an enormous demand for east-west travel access. Saratoga Springs is one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

"It is being touted as a done deal," Parker said. "I've had people all week coming up to me with bright faces saying, it looks like you are going to get a bridge, because that is the tone of the message on the news and at the Legislature."

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