The cost of inaction is considerably higher than the price of proper investment in highway infrastructure. The measurable costs of congestion — including hours of delay, additional vehicle operating costs and accidents — will cost roughly twice the amount of dealing with the growth now, in a timely manner. The nonquantifiable costs, such as lost productivity, reduced quality of life, air quality impacts, health impacts and slower economic growth, will take an additional heavy toll on Utahns.

While modest tax cuts may be appropriate while the state enjoys a large surplus, let us not forget that boom times won't last forever. A crucial ingredient to sustain economic expansion is providing adequate infrastructure so our families and businesses can flourish.

We have formed a coalition, called the Oquirrh Alliance, to advocate for responsible governance and for policies that invest adequately in our rapidly growing state. We understand the price of inaction, and we wish to support our city, county and state leaders as they seek solutions and make hard choices to address our biggest challenges. (For more about the Oquirrh Alliance, see oquirrhalliance.org.

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Former Govs. Bangerter, Walker and Rampton write on behalf of the Oquirrh Alliance Executive Committee.