Becker Speaks Out Against Bill Restricting Use of Airport $$ for Trax Line

Mar 03, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker says if the Legislature passes a measure restricting the city from using airport improvement revenues to help fund construction of a TRAX line to the airport, then it could be some time before the line gets built.

Becker adds the restriction could jeopardize funding for the rest of the valley's light rail plans because the airport line is tied to those lines when it comes to federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration.

Becker says the city doesn't have the necessary 35 million dollars anywhere else in its coffers. If Third Substitute Senate Bill 245 does pass, Becker hopes lawmakers can find another source of funding for the light rail line. He says litigation would only delay the proceedings, and go against Salt Lake County residents who voted in 2006 to move ahead with light rail.

Third Substitute Senate Bill 245 has passed the Senate and must now be considered by the House. To listen to a conversation with Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, visit the Midday Metro page of our website, KCPW-dot-org.

Email to a friendPosted in Legislative Coverage, KCPW Newsroom, and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW