Even after reducing the initial costs of the Drug Offenders Reform Act and tying it to funding for a veterans nursing home in Ogden, the potentially high cost of a program they knew little about remained too daunting for representatives. As late as Wednesday morning and two days after many supporters had pronounced it practically dead, DORA appeared to still have a fighting chance at some funding. The primary reason was an amendment to SB1, which provides $150 million in one-time funding for this fiscal year, by House members who gave $4.5 million Monday to help build the home. [continues 462 words]
Sandy Neighbors Earlier Had Tried To Keep Facility Away Resigned to the fact that they cannot stop a drug- and alcohol-rehabilitation facility from opening in their neighborhood, a group of east bench residents has now failed to establish a limit on the number of patients at the facility. Even with the help of Sandy - which officially appealed the decision to allow the ARK of Little Cottonwood to open at 2919 E. Granite Hollow St. (9805 South) - the Salt Lake County Board of Adjustments ruled Wednesday that the facility could continue operating in two buildings that house 16 people each. Sandy and the residents had argued that county planners had approved the expansion of the facility into a second building without consulting the Planning Commission or County Council or giving a chance for public input. [continues 397 words]
