Resolution 6 of 2017

 

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SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION

RESOLUTION 6 OF 2017

JOINT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
PURCHASE AND PRESERVATION OF BONANZA FLAT

 

Whereas,      Bonanza Flat is approximately 1,350 acres of land with magnificent alpine meadows and lakes; and

Whereas,      Bonanza Flat is home to numerous species of wildlife including moose, elk, black bear and birds of prey; and

Whereas,      land in and around Bonanza Flat plays a critical role in Salt Lake City’s watershed including the Big Cottonwood Creek and Provo River watersheds that, in combination, provide 50% of the drinking water supply to more than 340,000 residents of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County; and

WHEREAS,      although privately owned, Bonanza Flat is an area Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back residents have used for recreation for many years; and

WHEREAS,        Park City residents committed $25 million in bonds to purchase Bonanza Flat for preservation; and

Whereas,      the current property owner agreed to an offer of $38 million from Park City to purchase Bonanza Flat which provides an opportunity for regional collaboration to raise additional funds to purchase Bonanza Flat; and

WHEREAS,      this is likely the final opportunity to protect and preserve this area in the Central Wasatch Mountains before it is developed; and

WHEREAS,      the City has a dedicated watershed protection fund to purchase and preserve land that protects its sources of drinking water and wishes to contribute $1.5 million from this fund to help close the shortfall between the bond and purchase price; and

WHEREAS,      the Salt Lake City Council’s 2012 Parks and Open Space Philosophy Statement supports protection and preservation of mountain wildlife, habitats, and ecological systems in close proximity to Salt Lake City; and

WHEREAS,      Salt Lake City’s financial support demonstrates the City’s commitment to preserve watershed and open space where possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City support our neighbors in Summit and Wasatch Counties in their efforts to preserve this property with its breathtaking views through our financial contribution, and commends Park City residents for their foresight to commit $25 million in bonds to help purchase this land.

Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 21st day of March, 2017.