Huntsman's decision to fund transportation projects surprises lawmakers

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. surprised the Legislature's GOP majority Tuesday by announcing during his State of the State speech that he is reinstating road projects put on hold because of the budget shortfall.

Huntsman told the Deseret News after the half-hour speech that he expected his announcement to help smooth the way with his fellow Republicans as they work to balance both the current and upcoming state budgets.

"I thought it would be nice to drop that in tonight just as a reminder that we're very, very close to finality on '09. I think that got some attention," the governor said. "Closing out '09 has been a challenge, but it also shows that in 2010, we can be flexible."

Some 4 percent in cuts to the current year budget that ends June 30 are expected to be finalized Wednesday morning and go to lawmakers Friday for a final vote. Huntsman and GOP legislative leaders are miles apart, however, on what to do to balance the following year's budget.

"There will be many rounds of negotiations. Through it all you build up a level of trust and confidence with the new team," the governor said. "We'll begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel."

In the text of his speech, delivered in the House chambers of the Capitol before lawmakers, state officials and invited guests, the governor talked about the need to "find creative solutions to critical problems" in dealing with the budget.

But no one expected him to say the next line: "After working with legislative leaders on nearing a solution for the current budget, tonight I am directing the Utah Department of Transportation to reinstate major road projects that were delayed in November."

Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, and House Speaker David Clark, R-Santa Clara, both said the announcement came as a surprise. Neither said the $3.9 billion in transportation projects suspended last year had been discussed as part of their talks with the governor over the current year budget cuts.

"This isn't a trade," Clark said. "This is a win-win." He said he was happy to hear the governor bring up an issue that lawmakers have been concerned about, especially given the thousands of jobs that will be created by the transportation projects.

Utah Department of Transportation director John Njord said the governor gave the go-ahead to all but the biggest project on the list, the $2.6 billion reconstruction of 20 miles of I-15 through Utah County. That project, Njord said, will require legislative funding before it can get under way.