Utah tallies $12B in road projects
But state expects to get far less from stimulus package
Obama has proposed an economic-stimulus package with the goal of creating jobs by funding state and municipal infrastructure projects. But if Congress passes Obama's plan, Utah won't likely receive anywhere near $12 billion, said Ahmed Jaber, the Utah Department of Transportation's systems, planning and program director.
"We're looking roughly at $225 million," Jaber told the Utah Transportation Commission on Wednesday morning.
The $225 million is the amount of money the federal government gave to Utah road-building projects last year. Transportation planning officials believe Obama's stimulus package will be the same amount.
The six-page list from the Utah planners contains about 300 projects. All the projects must be ready to go within 90 days, and the bidding among construction firms, project design and employee hiring must be finished in that time, "so people could start working and help the economy," Jaber said.
In November, UDOT Executive Director John Njord announced that he planned to put 50 projects totaling $3.9 billion on hold indefinitely, as the state struggles with fewer tax revenues and a budget crunch. Although some of the 50 projects landed on the Obama economic-stimulus wish list, others are not included because they can't be ready in 90 days.
In addition to state and municipal projects, the Utah Transit Authority also is preparing a list that includes 11 projects estimated to cost $2.2 billion. The items on the list range from work currently under way, such as a TRAX light rail line to the Salt Lake City International Airport, to new projects such as an overpass for rail over North Temple in Salt Lake. UTA will receive a different allotment of money that is separate from the estimated $225 million that UDOT expects.
UDOT officials and municipal planners may continue to add to their list until Congress passes the proposed bill. Then it's crunch time, said UDOT deputy director Carlos Braceras.
"Once the bill is signed, we would have one week to submit the projects," Braceras said.
Recent comments
The essential pieces in the transportation jigsaw puzzle are making...
stargold | Jan. 15, 2009 at 9:57 a.m.
Well, so-sorry-utah has it all upside down and backward. Utah was...
So-Sorry Youre Wrong | Jan. 15, 2009 at 8:39 a.m.
It's all politics. Demo states will be the big winners in the $$$...
Red vs Blue | Jan. 15, 2009 at 8:22 a.m.
- Family thanks effort after cave deat 7:34 p.m.
- Fesenko out with stomach virus 7:31 p.m.
- Cowboys get past Raiders 24-7 7:30 p.m.
- The Who for the Super Bowl 7:08 p.m.
- Thursday's sports transactions 7:06 p.m.
- Holiday festivals offer family fun 6:30 p.m.
- Story of the 'Bells' retold 6:30 p.m.
- Reasons Brooks, Reiner are classics 6:30 p.m.
- Festival of Trees 6:30 p.m.
- Region 7 All-Region Team 6:29 p.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Rivalry has had some 'turkeys'
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Holiday television program listings
- Highland players make special friend
- Temple Square to use LEDs
- Matt Reynolds vs. Koa Misi
- Missions teach players perseverance
- Salt Lake City woman shot
- Provo star leads Bulldogs to win
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
262 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
210 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
131 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
130 - Boys basketball rankings
118 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102
What an amazing story. I love to be reminded that there are great people out...
@Let him go.....someone had too much turkey today! What a sour blogger....
I am also interested in knowing where to find the stacking blinds that...
Dear mark: government getting into the business of competing with private...
I know everyone lists those salt lake schools on top, but that syracuse team...
@Nattering.... 90% or more of bills that go up for debate get passed. You...
Best to have a backup waiting in the wings, just in case.
what happen in that springville game. That was a butt whippin. Thats why i...
Dang I was looking forward to Korver's return. He could really help the Jazz...
The good die young. May God be with the loved ones, especially his wife and...


