The Highways and Utilities Division provides critical legal support to Utah’s transportation, utilities, and public safety agencies, helping keep roads moving, rates fair, and communities safe. Through its work, the division ensures that infrastructure projects advance lawfully, essential services operate efficiently, and regulatory systems function as intended.
The division represents the Utah Department of Transportation in a wide range of matters, including eminent domain, real estate transactions, right-of-way and access disputes, construction contracts and disputes, regulatory enforcement, and litigation. Its counsel supports the development and maintenance of Utah’s transportation network while safeguarding property rights and public resources.
In addition, the division represents the Division of Public Utilities and the Office of Consumer Services to promote fair utility rates and reliable service, and serves as agency counsel to the Utah Department of Public Safety on issues ranging from licensing and certification to emergency response and highway safety. Through steady counsel and skilled advocacy, the Highways and Utilities Division supports the infrastructure and public safety systems that Utah communities rely on every day.
cases closed
training hours provided to state agencies and entities
Assistant Attorneys General Trisha Schmid, Patrick Grecu, and Robert Moore successfully defended Utah ratepayers in a major utility rate case where Rocky Mountain Power sought a $667 million increase. After months of hearings and extensive testimony, the Public Service Commission approved only an $87 million increase—limiting the impact on average households to about $4.31 per month. Rocky Mountain Power has since filed an appeal.
In this eminent domain case involving construction of the Southern Parkway in Washington County, the property owner sought $10.7 million in damages. After a four-day jury trial, UDOT, represented by William Christensen and Barbara Ochoa, secured a verdict of $2.5 million—saving taxpayers more than $8 million.
