7 road projects face delays

Four road construction projects in Salt Lake County, two in Ogden and one in Brigham City would be delayed if Gov. Olene Walker's proposed $8 billion budget is adopted by the 2004 Utah Legislature.

All seven projects are to be financed by the Centennial Highway Fund, from which Walker wants to pluck $64.7 million of ongoing money and transfer those general fund revenues into education.

In addition to project delays, the reappropriation likely would mean the $3.4 billion Centennial Highway Fund would not be paid off in 2017 as now planned.

"She is committed to transportation. But at this point, education is the crisis that's at our doorstep," said Amanda Covington, Walker spokeswoman and former spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Transportation.

Deseret Morning News graphic Construction delays Requires Adobe Acrobat.

"In the '90s, we had the ability to put money into transportation . . . and at this time, the governor recommends we make adjustments for education."

Those adjustments could involve commuters spending more time in rush-hour traffic. But only for a while. Each of the seven projects would be delayed only for one or two years, UDOT spokesman Tom Hudachko said.

"She (Walker) asked us for our input and we provided her with a list of these projects that we felt were at a logical point in the process where they could be delayed without seriously impacting the traveling public," Hudachko said.

"We support the recommendations she's made. We recognize transportation is one of many needs in the state and the governor's got to find a balance."

Walker's proposal would force delays in the following projects: (Monetary amounts reflect total project costs, not just state general fund money.)

Salt Lake County:

• I-80 reconstruction from State to the mouth of Parleys Canyon, $45 million for environmental impact statement and spot improvements. Scheduled to start in 2006, the project instead would begin in either 2007 or 2008.

• 3500 South, 2700 to 8400 West, $43 million for an environmental impact statement. Work was to begin in 2006 but would be delayed for one or two years.