Those dust-ups a few weeks ago about where to plop down a new state prison will resume when the Legislature's Prison Relocation Commission meets to discuss some new potential sites. The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah will rally for drug-law reforms, which tie closely to the need—or lack thereof—for an ever-growing number of prison cells. Then, head up to Roy where you can put in your two cents on how best to expand the Wasatch Front's bikeways, highways and freeways over the next 25 years.
Prison Relocation Commission
Friday, Feb. 6
Lawmakers convinced themselves a long time ago that they would move the Utah State Prison in Draper to a patch of dirt someplace less valuable to condominium and shopping-mall developers. These discussions, though, have picked up speed in the past few months as the Legislature's Prison Relocation Commission followed through on its promise to pick sites for the new prison. After being met with fierce opposition from possible host communities, the commission is expected to put forward some alternate sites at this meeting.
Utah Senate Building, 350 N. State, northeast of the Capitol, Room 210, Feb. 6, 1 p.m., Le.Utah.gov
Wasatch Front Transportation Plan
Monday, Feb. 9
State leaders keep saying Utah's population will grow from its present load of 2.9 million souls to 5.4 million by 2050. This means the air will get dirtier and that those cute shops you love so much downtown will turn into luxury condominiums. It also means that state planners will need to spend $54.9 billionthrough 2040 to preserve and operatethe state's existing roadways. Have your say on Utah's future transportation needs at the Wasatch Front Regional Council Transportation Plan open house, where the planners will hear the public's comments.
Roy City Hall, 5051 S. 1900 West, Roy, Feb. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., WFRC.org
Drug-Law Reform Rally
Tuesday, Feb. 10
The ACLU of Utah is staging a rally to drum up support for a bill (not yet numbered or available for review) instituting a number of reforms to the state's criminal-justice system. Some of these reforms include scaling back punishments for simple drug-possession charges and funding community treatment centers for those with addictions.
Utah Capitol, south steps, 350 N. State, Feb. 10, noon, ACLUUtah.org