UDOT funding gap unlikely to get fixed
"I think we're between a rock and a hard spot as to what we do with the budget," said Rep. David Ure, R-Kamas, during a transportation budget meeting Wednesday. "Unless we have a lot of draw from the caucuses as a whole, I don't know if we can stick a lot more in the budget."
Maintenance, which cost $95 million last fiscal year, is one of UDOT's most costly functions, taking nearly half of its annual budget. The Legislative Fiscal Analyst is recommending that UDOT receive nearly $700,000 less than last fiscal year.
While the governor's office is recommending $35 million in one-time funding, a representative from the governor's office of planning and budget was unsure where that money would go if approved. "I know it is a priority for him," said Joe Brown. "I think he's hoping economic development will bring more money to the state." UDOT director John Njord warned that without an increase in funding, the state's road system would reach a critical state of disrepair. Within the next decade, he said, 500 of the state's 700 bridges will be due for repair and with current funding levels, only 150 can be fixed.
"Be assured the department of transportation, under the governor's direction, will hold this (system) together," he said. "But there are enormous challenges in our future."
The Wasatch Front Regional Council, transportation planner for the Wasatch Front, predicts that $4.1 billion is needed for state road projects over the next 10 years. HB18, which has yet to be debated, provides a way for the state to get at least half of that needed funding primarily through a shift of general fund monies to transportation. Sen. Mike Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, expressed concern with the reluctance of lawmakers to discuss transportation funding options. "You're not going to offer a gas tax increase," he told members of the committee. "I'm not going to offer a gas tax increase, but I think we need to discuss" funding.
If nothing is given now, said Waddoups, lawmakers will be left with a big funding burden in the future. "If we have to do that all (funding) in one year down the road," he said, "our constituents are going to eat us alive."
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
Comments
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz down Oklahoma City
- Twitter lets fans communicate, interact
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...



You can be the first to comment on this story.