UTA seeking federal OKs on commuter rail

The Utah Transit Authority is meeting with federal officials Friday to request — and possibly receive — two approvals to begin construction of commuter rail.

John Inglish, UTA general manager, will also ask that new federal criteria for funding transit projects be waived for the 44-mile line into Davis and Weber counties.

The criteria deal with modeling for ridership, traffic relief and total cost, among other things. If not waived, federal funding for commuter rail could be delayed.

But Inglish isn't concerned. The project meets the new standards, he said.

"We're going to argue that we're already there," said Inglish.

Regardless of Friday's outcome, he says the project will not be delayed any further. The time line for completion was pushed back to early 2008 because of a request to review the impact of noise and vibration along the track.

A review of accessibility for disabled riders also delayed the projected completion date.

"By 2008, you can have a ride on it," said Inglish. "I'm confident."

The two federal approvals UTA could receive Friday are a Record of Decision and Letter of No Prejudice. Once in hand, the authority can begin some aspects of construction as early as June, including utility and fill work.

Davis and Weber officials, land owners and developers are waiting for UTA to receive the two approvals. With the Record of Decision and Letter of No Prejudice, UTA can also begin negotiations to purchase land along the line.

The authority already owns right of way for the railway but needs to purchase land for stations.

In other news, environmental work on the Mid-Jordan TRAX extension has been delayed to meet additional federal regulations for noise and vibration. Ultimately, it will not delay completion of the project, which has no funding, said UTA spokesman Justin Jones.

"We are preparing a recovery plan now and anticipate being able to catch up," he said. "This is part of the process."

The Mid-Jordan line will service parts of Midvale, Murray and South Jordan.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com