County Council Approves Transportation Bond for Nov. Ballot

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The Salt Lake County Council today (yesterday) approved the wording for a bond on the November ballot asking voters to raise the sales tax to pay for corridor preservation, road and transit projects. The wording replaces a previous bond that would have raised property taxes to pay for four new TRAX lines. Councilman Joe Hatch gave his approval reluctantly:

"I'm not convinced I will vote yes on this as a citizen in November," says Hatch. "I need to see the list of priorities for the funding, and TRAX and commuter rail have to be way up there."

The original bond, which Hatch supported ardently, would have put 900-million dollars directly to four new TRAX lines - including spurs to West Valley City and the airport. The sales tax measure - as dictated by state lawmakers - will raise more money, but roads and public transit will have to compete for it. Another TRAX supporter, Councilman Randy Horiuchi, is more comfortable with the bond.

"I think this is better because it uses sales rather than property taxes. I'm very confident it will pass," says Horiuchi.

Supporters of the bond - including the Salt Lake Chamber - now have just over a month to convince Salt Lake County residents to vote "yes."

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