The controversial development formerly known as Kane Springs—now rebranded as “Echo Canyon”—has been dealt a setback in its efforts to incorporate as a new municipality just outside of Moab.
On May 5, the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office officially rejected the incorporation submitted by the developers, citing inconsistencies in the legal boundary descriptions. According to the state’s determination letter, the boundaries outlined in the petition did not match those submitted in the original feasibility study from May 2024, as required by Utah law.
The developers had sought to leverage Senate Bill 258, passed in 2023, which allows landowners to form “preliminary municipalities” under certain conditions. The provision has drawn criticism from local officials and community groups, who argue it allows developers to sidestep traditional zoning and public oversight processes.
The Echo Canyon development is proposed for a 180-acre site in the Kane Creek area—a rugged, ecologically sensitive corridor west of Moab. Opposition to the project has been vocal and sustained, with advocacy groups like Kane Creek Development Watch raising concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, and the long-term consequences for Grand County residents.
Community tensions around the project escalated following a March 5 presentation of the feasibility study, which drew hundreds of attendees. The Grand County Commission also requested the resignation of planning commission member Laura Long after she called the legislative process “corrupt.”
Despite the rejection, the developers have until June 4, 2025, to submit a revised petition correcting the identified deficiencies if they wish to continue the incorporation effort.
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