"We're just a portion of that state budget pie, but we're really something that pays huge dividends when invested in."

Corrections

The Utah Department of Corrections, plagued with a series of escapes and the slaying of an officer, will get a boost in funding.

"Those kinds of tragedies do bring greater attention," corrections director Tom Patterson told the Deseret Morning News.

The governor's proposed budget calls for hiring 32 full-time transportation officers to provide increased security for inmates being taken to court appearances and medical appointments. The change comes after officer Stephen Anderson was killed while trying to stop an inmate from escaping during a doctor's appointment. He was the only officer transporting Curtis Allgier, who was considered an escape risk.

An additional $3 million will be proposed to recruit more corrections officers, who have complained of being underpaid and overworked for years. Right now, starting wages for a corrections officer is about $13.73 an hour.

"It indicates a commitment to be more competitive and to make sure we address that," Patterson said. "Is it enough? It's something we'll just have to see. It really depends on the rest of the economy. It's difficult to address the entire problem in one legislative session."

Corrections brass also gets $5 million to implement a grant program to increase security in county jails. During the past year, two convicted killers escaped from the Daggett County Jail and a convicted rapist escaped from the Beaver County Jail.

The proposed budget also funds an expansion at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison, and a 300-bed center for parole violators would be paid for. Patterson said that could help alleviate prison crowding.

Transportation

Spending for transportation in the governor's budget proposal was "easily as big, or bigger," than budget allocations made last year, according to officials at the Utah Department of Transportation.

A total of $437 million was proposed for roads and state buildings, with $80 million going to fund "choke point" road projects such as lane additions or roadside rumble strips.

Another $50 million in one-time money and $20 million in ongoing dollars were recommended for bridge fixes, while $70 million was proposed to help buy property for future road projects.

"This is a significant budget for transportation," said UDOT deputy director Carlos Braceras.

Air quality