This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Provo • Brigham Young University may soon be allowed to purchase land on a nearby mountain that includes the hillside "Y" overlooking the Provo school.

The authorization is included on a broad military spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday and awaiting President Barack Obama's signature.

The act would allow BYU to purchase 80 acres on Y Mountain from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for about $500,000.

BYU president Kevin Worthen told The Daily Herald (http://bit.ly/1GM2Hrw ) that the mountain is a landmark for the valley and the school is pleased with the bill's approval in the Senate.

The university owns the lower 40 acres of the trail leading up the mountain.

With Obama's signature, the school can purchase the remaining land surrounding the trail and the large letter "Y."