Federal stimulus money flowing toward Utah

Money from the federal stimulus package is flowing toward Utah.

On Thursday and Friday, federal officials announced that more than $43 million was being directed to the state. The cash will scatter across Utah, paying for solar projects, health workers, building retrofits and other projects.

On Friday, federal officials announced $13 million in airport projects for Utah. Salt Lake City International Airport will get $8.5 million for taxiway construction. Cedar City Regional Airport will get $4.5 million to rehabilitate its only runway qualified for commercial airplanes.

"That project has been on the books for five or six years," said Steve Farmer, manager of the Cedar City airport. "This was a way to be able to take advantage of the stimulus to make it happen."

Also Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said $2.9 million will be distributed to 11 health centers in Utah to create or retain 31 jobs.

A large chunk came Thursday when the U.S. Department of Energy said it was sending $27.7 million to Utah's cities and counties for projects that reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions. Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County will get the most money.

Some of Salt Lake County's $2.2 million will likely go toward a plan for solar panels on top of county buildings. A study completed last year said the county has enough roof space to produce 9.6 megawatts of solar electricity — enough at peak production to power thousands of homes. The solar initiative, unveiled in December, is still in its early phases.

"The timing of the money couldn't have been better," said Ann Ober, the mayor's environmental policy coordinator.

Ober said some of the money could also go to energy-efficient retrofits for buildings and homes. A public meeting will be held in mid-May to hear more ideas.

Similar projects are under consideration in Salt Lake City, which will get about $2.1 million.

Ben McAdams, senior adviser to Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, said other ideas include finding ways for residents to use the money to make their homes more efficient and buying solar panels to power light-rail stations between downtown Salt Lake City and the airport.

A meeting will be held next week with other city leaders in Utah to see if they can team up on projects.

"We would like to move it along as quickly as possible to generate some jobs," McAdams said.