The funding, called payment in lieu of taxes, or PILT, is distributed to local governments that contain tax-exempt federal lands. Utah will receive $20 million, an increase of 0.01 percent from last year.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, praised the fact the funding remained stable in a year that saw several states with decreasing amounts of federal payments.
"A decade ago, the PILT program was funded at only one-third its authorized level, today it's at two-thirds," Hatch said in a statement.
PILT funding was established to assist rural counties in which there are large swatches of federal land off limits to taxable development.
"Of course we'd like to see more," Hatch said, "but it's good that Utah is not losing any funding this year, while many other states are."
- Thomas Burr
Fatal crash may bring charges
Layton police officials are awaiting a toxicology report before filing charges in a fatal collision that occurred last Sunday afternoon.
Kathryn Allred, 43, of the Ogden area, died after being hit by a vehicle while riding her motorcycle. She was not wearing a helmet, said Sgt. Shawn Horton.
Charges are pending against Charles Stopp, whose car plowed into Allred, sending her into another vehicle, Horton said. Authorities are awaiting a toxicology report before filing charges.
"There is no initial indication that he was intoxicated," Horton said.
Depending on whether Stopp had any illicit substances in his system at the time of the crash, he likely will face charges of failing to stop at a red light and careless driving. Should he be found of driving under the influence, he could face additional charges.
Stopp took his eyes off the road because his iPod fell from its charger, according to police. He was driving eastbound through the intersection of Antelope Drive and Woodland Park.
"As he looked up, the light turned red and he didn't have time to stop," Horton said.
Allred was turning onto Antelope Drive when her motorcycle was struck. She was transported to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden.
- Nathan C. Gonzalez
