$24 million for Utah in Senate-OK'd bill

Amid all the talk about cutting spending to pay for Hurricane Katrina, the Senate has passed an appropriations bill that will fund transportation, housing and economic development projects, including $24 million for projects in Utah.

"Investing in transportation infrastructure and economic development are key to the health and vitality of Utah's economy," said Republican Utah Sen. Bob Bennett, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (TTHUD).

"Whether it's money for additional buses, or a light rail extension, these funds help us make important progress meeting many of the state's infrastructure needs," he added.

The Ogden-Salt Lake City commuter rail project was the big Utah winner in the legislation, which still must be reconciled with the House version of the same bill. Some $9 million was designated for design and construction of the first phase of the rail line, bringing to $28 million the total federal appropriation secured by Bennett for the project.

In addition, the bill contains $4.25 million for statewide bus transit facilities, mostly intermodal terminals and a West Jordan extension of TRAX.

"Mass transit will play an important role in addressing future growth issues along the Wasatch Front, and commuter rail is a critical element of this plan," said Bennett.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, agreed, saying mass transit funding should be one of the state's highest priorities.

"This funding, combined with the millions secured through the transportation bill earlier this year, will make a significant impact on increasing our transit capacity," he said.

Other projects included in the legislation:

• $1 million for revitalization of the historic district in Sandy, which was first incorporated in 1893. The money will be used for infrastructure and affordable housing for young families and seniors.

• $1.2 million for a library, community multipurpose and training facility in San Juan County for local residents interested in pursuing careers as health professionals and teachers. It is anticipated the project will generate more than $1 million annually to the local economy.

• $800,000 to maintain the Utah Olympic Park, which continues to be a primary training and competition site for five Olympic sports. The Olympic endowment to operate the facility does not provide funds for a maintenance building, and current maintenance work is done in a tent.

• $600,000 for a Provo Community Arts Center, part of the city's effort to revitalize the downtown area. "Utah County has sought for years to have a high-quality arts center to host community and national theater and performing arts," Hatch said. "This funding will help start making this dream a reality: a permanent home for the arts in Provo."

• $200,000 to build a library and museum complex in Hyrum, Cache County. "The complex will provide the community with a vast collection of books, periodicals, videos and other media, to enrich, entertain, and inform," Hatch said.

• $200,000 for community development and park facilities improvements in Eagle Mountain, a fast-growing Utah County community.

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