South Salt Lake signs on to transit accord

SOUTH SALT LAKE — The Utah Transit Authority narrowly avoided disaster Tuesday night in its efforts to secure an interlocal agreement for rail right-of-way among 43 cities.

Last week, the South Salt Lake City Council voted against signing the agreement over opposition to a potential light-rail extension to Sugar House.

But after a two-hour hearing before a crowded room of concerned citizens Tuesday, the council reversed itself by voting 4-3 to sign the agreement. Council members, however, said they remain opposed to a light-rail line running through their city.

The outcome drew sighs of relief from UTA officials, who said the entire agreement involving 43 cities would have failed without South Salt Lake's approval.

UTA general counsel Kathryn Pett said a "no" vote by South Salt Lake could have resulted in years of delay for several major transit projects, including commuter rail from Salt Lake City to Ogden and light-rail spurs to West Jordan, West Valley City and Salt Lake City International Airport.

For months, UTA officials have worked with cities impacted by rail projects to secure a uniform right-of-way agreement, which would speed up construction of commuter rail and new TRAX lines. The agreement was offered as an alternative to legislation, which would have compelled cities to give their rail right-of-way to UTA for transit projects. Other city officials have said the agreement gives cities more say in what UTA can and cannot do.

But members of the South Salt Lake City Council and some residents said they do not want light rail in their city, period.

"What is the benefit that we're going to receive from it?" asked council member Popuatui Sitake.

Some council members suggested the Sugar House spur is being pushed through by big-money interests from Sugar House and other east-side communities. UTA officials denied that assertion.

Residents, particularly those living next to the now-vacant railroad corridor UTA purchased from Union Pacific last year, said they feel TRAX would cause too much noise and disruption.

Sheila McClever, who lives close to the rail corridor at about 2300 South, said she fears for the safety of her children.

Councilman Boyd Marshall questioned what benefit South Salt Lake would get for allowing the line to be built, adding UTA has not brought forward a plan as to what the extension would look like.