Don't hesitate on transit tax

Any state lawmaker who is reluctant to support a possible sales-tax hike for transit and highways has, quite simply, not grasped the situation facing American cities.

Less than two weeks ago, the Reason Foundation out of Los Angeles issued a report that said $533 billion will be needed over the next 25 years to relieve Americans of traffic congestion that costs both money and business. It specifically said Salt Lake City would see traffic worse than Chicago or San Francisco during that time unless it was willing to spend $2.3 billion on transit and roads.

The federal government, meanwhile, has said not to look toward Washington for much in the way of funding to relieve this situation. Utah, one of the nation's fastest-growing states, needs to fund its own projects, and the costs will only grow with time.

Fortunately, reports late last week indicated lawmakers and governor were close to a deal that would put a huge dent in this problem. It would place a non-binding question about raising the sales tax a quarter cent for transportation needs on all ballots statewide during the November general election. If a majority say they favor the tax, lawmakers likely would then simply impose it during the next regular legislative session.

This would replace the governor's original plan, which was to allow people only in Salt Lake County to vote on such a tax. A statewide question makes sense, particularly as it concerns fast-growing Washington County, where a new $200 million airport is a necessity.

Less clear, however, is how it would affect Utah County, where voters already face a proposed tax increase to fund a commuter-rail extension. The statewide tax might be in jeopardy unless it replaces that one on the ballot.

In Salt Lake County alone, a sales-tax hike could bring in, by conservative measurements, about $900 million — enough to expand TRAX, build the FrontRunner commuter rail line to the Utah County line, and pay for many road improvements.

Lest anyone be confused, this tax would go toward a proper function of government. This is not money for a sports stadium — something lawmakers are all too happy to endorse. Governments need to provide the infrastructure necessary for commerce to freely flow, and sales taxes provide a fair way of funding those needs. All visitors to the county pay sales taxes, just as they use roads, trains and buses.

Supporting the transit tax should be the easiest part of the special session later this month.