Choosing Roads, TRAX Lines for SL County Sales Tax Funding

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Ideally, Salt Lake County residents will know exactly which road and transit projects will be built if they vote "yes" on a sales tax hike this November.

Draper Mayor Darrell Smith says city and county officials are rushing to create a prioritized list of transportation projects in line for the funding. Smith chairs the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, which is just one of the groups responsible for putting the priority list together.

Earlier this month, the Utah Legislature authorized counties to offer a quarter-cent sales tax increase to fund roads and public transit projects. Smith says even before local officials can make the priority list, they need to decide on a process and have that approved by lawmakers.

Smith is hopeful the list can be ready by November. Voters are eager to know which of four proposed TRAX lines will get money from the bond. Other road projects are also vying for funding.

Smith says projects will be judged on cost effectiveness, environmental impact and likelihood to relieve congestion. A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at the State Capitol Room W135 to discuss the prioritization process.

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