Meanwhile, mayors in the cities that would get one of the four TRAX lines said Monday that it wouldn't be fair to drop a TRAX line in favor of commuter rail. The four lines are proposed to run to West Valley City, Draper, the Salt Lake City International Airport and South Jordan.

Of the four lines, the Draper line is furthest behind in terms of environmental and engineering studies. The airport line is projected to have the lowest ridership of the four, but some residents say it's the most crucial for tourism and general ease of travel to the airport.

The South Jordan, or Mid-Jordan line, has the highest ridership projections and the best potential to get federal funding, according to UTA.

"I see, at least with the West Valley and Mid-Jordan lines, that our turn should come before commuter rail," said West Valley Mayor Dennis Nordfelt. "It's been on the plan, and our citizens have been paying for it."

West Valley has put about $1 million toward environmental-impact studies of the West Valley line. South Jordan and other cities along the Mid-Jordan line have also contributed to environmental studies.

UTA spokesman Justin Jones said Monday that the agency was "trying to study all the ideas that are being presented." If a TRAX line were dropped in favor of commuter rail, it would be up to local officials and the public to decide which line is postponed, he said.

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Contributing: Jared Page

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com

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