The Uintah County Board of County Commissioners has authorized the use of eminent domain to acquire land necessary for access to the Ashley Springs Property, according to a resolution dated September 15, 2026. The resolution seeks to resolve ongoing disputes regarding the ownership and use of Ashley Gorge Road.
The county intends to acquire rights over a subject property to ensure both public recreational access and county administrative, management, maintenance, and emergency access to the Ashley Springs Property. The county already owns approximately 790.02 acres in Ashley Gorge, which requires the county to allow non-motorized public recreation access.
Despite efforts to acquire easement rights through negotiation and voluntary purchase, the county has been unable to reach an agreement with the property owners, identified as the Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District and the D T Johnson Family Partnership. Negotiations have included offers to use the services of the Utah Property Rights Ombudsman for mediation.
The proposed right-of-way follows the alignment of the existing roadway and requires no new construction or relocation of facilities. The resolution directs county staff and legal counsel to continue negotiations for a voluntary transaction while simultaneously initiating formal eminent domain proceedings in court. The county may also seek permission to take immediate possession of the property through agreement or court order.
The Board of County Commissioners, including Chair John Laursen and members Willis LeFevre and Sonja Norton, approved the resolution to take effect immediately upon adoption.
