Huntsman said that over the next year, the state is "going to have to look seriously at something," noting the projected funding gap for transit projects between now and 2030 amounts to billions of dollars.

"It's huge," he said of the revenue shortfall. "If you're looking at something that sizable, I think getting some sort of public expression in terms of what their preference is, going forward," is necessary.

Huntsman suggested that voters would support more money for transportation projects even in Utah County, where officials have been reluctant in the past to put a transit-tax increase on the ballot.

"I think their public officials might be just a little bit behind where the public is in Utah County," the governor said. "I think Utah County would be in favor of more support for public transportation."

Utah County Commissioner Steve White said the county is "putting a second quarter-(cent) on the ballot this fall. We've made a commitment to do that." White added that he doesn't think the county commission is "being left behind."

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Contributing: Jared Page

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