Caleb Warnock

Lehi is asking residents to comment on a $200 million plan to build storms drains, sewer extensions and other public service infrastructure near IM Flash Technologies and Traverse Mountain.

An agreement to dedicate property tax from a special district, called a redevelopment agency, encompassing the former Micron plant and residential and commercial development along Traverse Mountain toward necessary infrastructure was set to expire in 2009, said Ed Collins, Lehi city manager and director of the redevelopment agency overseeing infrastructure installation. The district was formed in 1995.

A new proposal would extend that agreement to 2028, allowing the city and other agencies to collect $200 million, if approved.

Of the money collected, 70 percent would go toward infrastructure and 30 percent would be distributed to the city, Alpine School District, Central Utah Water Conservancy District and other agencies.

The property tax levy will not change, Collins said. He noted that he wanted to make it clear that while $200 million is the amount of property tax now estimated to be collected between now and 2028, market forces could increase or decrease that over time.

Chief among the infrastructure needed in the area is a storm drain system that would carry run-off water all the way from the IM Flash building to the Jordan River, he said. The project will cost about $8 million.

A storm drain system to carry run-off away from land north of the highway has never been necessary before because the water naturally drains into Murdock Canal, he said. Plans to pipe the canal mean the city must find another way to route run-off away from homes and roads.

"A few years ago it seemed that would never happen," Collins said of piping. "Now it seems never is pretty close."

The proposal would also set aside 30 acres for the Alpine School District to use for future schools, he said. In addition, electric, sewer, natural gas and water systems must be expanded to meet the demand as IM Flash and the commercial and residential development zones along Traverse Mountain expand, he said.

The public hearing will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers, 153 N. 100 East in Lehi. Written copies of the full proposal are available for public viewing at the same location. For information, call 768-7100.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D4.