Matheson Mt. Olivet Cemetery Bill Passes House

July 16, 2009

Salt Lake City - Congressman Jim Matheson’s bipartisan public lands bill providing for a land sale sought by public, private and local government stakeholders overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House Thursday.

The measure –HR 1442—resolves a long-standing issue that kept Mt. Olivet Cemetery from selling approximately 60 acres of its Salt Lake City property to a school.

“The cemetery wants to sell the property as a way to raise funds to support its ongoing operation and Salt Lake City has already agreed to a special zoning ordinance to permit construction of soccer fields for the purchaser. In short, it’s a win-win for all involved,” said Matheson

Congress founded the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in 1847 and later exchanged federal land with the cemetery subject to a reversionary clause.  Matheson’s bill modifies the clause, authorizes an appraisal and allows the grounds to be used and conveyed for “the construction of school and related educational and recreational purposes.”

Matheson said the overwhelming support for the measure reinforces how inclusive, open and collaborative stakeholder participation results in progress on public lands bills.

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