From Deseret News archives:
Officials push mass transit to top of list
The Salt Lake County Council and county mayors on Tuesday laid the groundwork to build a network of rails over the next 10 years that will span the Salt Lake Valley, by endorsing a list of projects that will be funded through a quarter-cent sales-tax hike that voters approved in November.
The officials hanged priorities recommended in a list of 34 projects compiled by the Wasatch Front Regional Council and approved funding for four projects, three of which are mass transit.
In total, $2.5 billion will be spent on commuter rail, TRAX lines to West Valley and South Jordan, and on repairs to Interstate 80 from State Street to 1300 East. Officials with the Utah Transit Authority said Tuesday that funding those projects also will free other dollars to build TRAX lines to the Salt Lake City International Airport and to Draper.
UTA general manager John Inglish promised the agency will build all four TRAX lines and commuter rail in the next seven to 10 years. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said that securing funding for all these projects couldn't come at a better time.
"We're at a crisis stage right now," he said. "This really resolves a lot of the issues."
The County Council is scheduled to meet Thursday and approve the projects that will be funded with the sales-tax revenue, as well declare its intent to impose the tax next year.
If the council decides to approve the projects and impose the tax, UTA will prepare for construction of four TRAX lines and commuter rail. The agency will acquire property for park-n-ride lots, arrange for relocation of utilities and put out bids for rail cars and other materials.
"This means we have a lot of work to do, and we're committed to it," said Mike Allegra, chief capital-development officer for UTA. When built, the transit lines will put 70 percent of county residents within three miles of a TRAX station, he said.
Comments
- Brazil: World should engage Iran 12:00 p.m.
- Atom smasher sends beams 2 ways 11:56 a.m.
- U.K. begins inquiry on Iraq war 11:48 a.m.
- Apostle and Seventy's Africa visit 11:46 a.m.
- Winfrey to interview Kennedy widow 11:41 a.m.
- Analyst: Small auto sales to recover 11:33 a.m.
- Y.'s Hall, U.'s Dale earn accolades 11:28 a.m.
- Notre Dame not an option for Meyer 11:28 a.m.
- Marijuana grow found in Ogden apt. 11:23 a.m.
- Inmate dead following prison fight 11:22 a.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
211 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
202 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
173 - BYU records with win
130 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A survey by Accountemps says that this year, fewer people plan to shop...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
Stricter laws do not equal less drunken drivers. Better public transportation...
Why does Timpview need to play 5A schools? Aren't they a 4A school? That's...
you know its funny my freind that happens to be gay expressed to me many...
Seriously anonymous? OF COURSE $1,000 doesn't have the same value for a rich...
I have just returned from the Oracle. Tomic seems to be making...
What a team and what a post season! Right on!!! Hey maybe the jazz can take a...
Agreed Boozer is an absolute beast on the defensive boards. The Jazz are...
Northern Lights wrote: "If seer stones were that important, wouldn't we...
That is not accurate. There are 5 BCS games so 10 teams get in. Two more at...
glendenb | 11:01 a.m. I've been to gay pride parades and I've been to art...



You can be the first to comment on this story.