Plans for a new commuter rail system along the Wasatch Front moved further down the tracks this week as the Senate Appropriations Committee approved spending $9 million next year for its planning and construction.

"Commuter rail remains a key component of the mass transit plan to ease traffic congestion along the Wasatch Front," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah. He is a member of the Appropriations Committee who fought for the funding.

The move comes after the Utah Transit Authority received earlier this month a key federal approval for the project called a "letter of no prejudice." It authorized the UTA to begin all aspects of construction on commuter rail.

The first phase of the high-speed train system is expected to stretch 44 miles from Salt Lake City to Pleasant View in Weber County.

The UTA hopes to receive final federal approval for that first phase later this year, through a "full-funding agreement." It is a guarantee that the federal government will reimburse a percentage of construction costs. Congress would decide exactly how much would be given each year through annual appropriations bill debates.

"Today's funding and the recent announcement from the Department of Transportation are extremely positive signs for continued progress of the commuter rail project," Bennett said.

The money was included in the 2006 Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. It now goes to the full Senate.

Other Utah funding in the bill includes:

• $1 million for revitalization of the original historic district in Sandy.

• $500,000 for study of a West Jordan extension of TRAX.

• $750,000 for a West Valley City Intermodal transportation terminal.

• $250,000 for Westminster College intermodal expansion and shuttle service.

• $600,000 for the Provo Community Arts Center project in the old city library downtown.

• $800,000 for a new maintenance facility at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City.

• $200,000 for community development and park improvements in Eagle Mountain, Utah County.

• $4.25 million for statewide buses and bus facilities.

• $3 million for intermodal terminals for regional buses.

• $1 million for a transit center at 9400 South in Sandy.

• $150,000 for Brigham City intermodal center planning, and renovation of an historic train depot.

• $500,000 for expansion of a Sun-Tran facility for maintenance and operation in St. George.

• $500,000 for Utah Intermodal Transit hubs.

• $1.2 million for a library and community multipurpose building in San Juan County.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com