CLEARFIELD — The proposal to move the city's commuter rail station is playing out in the mayoral race, but it is an issue that transcends politics.

Residents can learn more about the station at a pair of informational meetings planned in the coming weeks.

On Thursday, officials will gather input about the design and location of the station in a meeting scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the city offices. A second meeting will be held Dec. 1.

Over the past year, Clearfield officials have worked with a consultant to determine whether the station should be moved downtown. At present, the Utah Transit Authority is planning to build the station on a 70-acre site near 1000 East and State Street.

Officials who support moving the station — including Clearfield Mayor Tom Waggoner — say greater economic development can occur if the station is located downtown. The station can be a destination point, they say, helping to draw people into Clearfield from around the region: Clinton, Sunset, Syracuse and West Point.

But moving the station may prove costly. Steve Meyer, UTA manager of commuter rail construction, estimates it will cost the city $24.5 million to move the station from its present site. The cost includes expenses to build a parking structure.

During the October primary elections, mayoral candidate Mark R. Shepherd criticized Waggoner for wanting to move the station, asserting the cost is too great for benefits not yet proved.

Shepherd beat Waggoner in the primary election by a mere 18 votes, allowing him to move on to the general election to face candidate Dan W. Phelps.

Phelps says he is open to moving the commuter rail station, but only if it is based on economics that pan out.

Despite his loss, Waggoner is waging a write-in campaign to retain his post. He says moving the station will help Clearfield revitalize its downtown and spur development.

---

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com