Guv on Landslides: "It's Buyer Beware"

None by KCPW

Cities and Homeowners Should Know Before they Build

(KCPW News) Wet weather is causing serious landslide concern in some parts of Utah where homes are built on steep slopes. Governor Jon Huntsman, Junior is sympathetic . . .sort of.

"There is kind of a buyer beware before people build and purchase in areas that are vulnerable," says Huntsman.

Residents in Cache, Davis and Weber Counties have all experienced landslides in recent weeks. Many homeowners say they were unaware their neighborhood hillsides were designated as a landslide hazard. Huntsman says local government is partly to blame. He says the state needs to do a better job sharing historical data about landslides and other hazards with counties, cities and developers. As to the reason for the unusually wet season, Huntsman sidesteps a discussion on global warming, saying only that such things should be left to the science community to explain.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW