UTA gets $80M for FrontRunner

The Utah Transit Authority announced Thursday that it has received $80 million in federal dollars to help build its FrontRunner commuter-rail line from Salt Lake City to Pleasant View, Weber County. The line will eventually extend to south Utah County as well.

The $80 million is part of a $488.8 million reimbursement package that was announced last July. The federal government will typically reimburse transit agencies about 50 percent of the costs of construction, if that agency applies for and is approved for funding.

UTA's FrontRunner project is receiving about 80 percent federal funding. The total cost of the rail line is $611 million. In the coming years, UTA will receive five more reimbursement checks, according to the agency.

"We are excited about this installment and even more excited about what it means for the people of Utah," John Inglish, UTA general manager said in a statement.