AASHTO Journal, 6 March 2015
Lawmakers in Utah’s House and Senate are reportedly considering a possible combination of higher motor fuel charges, vehicle registration fees and allowing counties to seek voter approval for sales tax increases to pay for state and local transportation projects.
Meanwhile, infrastructure investment advocates continue to build momentum through rallies and a new report on Utah’s transportation needs and its funding gap by TRIP – The Road Information Program.
TRIP unveiled its assessment March 3, in a press conference joined by Department of Transportation Executive Director Carlos Braceras; Andrew Gruber, executive director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, and Utah Transit Authority General Manager Michael Allegra.
The TRIP report shows Utah faces a funding shortfall of $11.3 billion through 2045 for high-priority projects, and a total $27 billion gap for all projected needs in highway and transit maintenance, operations, preservation and capacity projects.
Braceras called the report “a nice affirmation of the work that’s been done through the long-range planning process” at UDOT. “It shows we’re headed in the right direction,” as all of the projects TRIP listed as essential for the state were already included in Utah’s unified transportation plan.
“We’re pleased to have this common understanding that, for transportation, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B,” Braceras said at the report’s news conference. “It’s really about keeping Utah moving, and if we can keep Utah moving, we’re going to provide for a greater Utah in the future than we even have today.”
That “Keeping Utah Moving” is a slogan UDOT has now incorporated into its own logo.
A week before TRIP released its report, a group of business, county and city organizations that calls itself the “Utah Transportation Coalition” held a rally at the state capitol to help prod the legislature to boost infrastructure funding.
Already, the Senate has voted to increase motor fuel taxes by 10 cents a gallon, but House leaders are reportedly considering a mix of revenue options that include county sales tax votes. Other reports say lawmakers are looking at registration fees as well, plus higher user fees on alternative motor fuels.