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John Daley ReportingA major transportation development today with a new proposal to fast-track construction of several brand new TRAX lines. Government leaders are considering a ballot measure to help build the new routes in under a decade.
Since opening in the late 90s, TRAX has been a popular choice with ridership far exceeding projections. Now a major expansion plan is coming down the tracks, just waiting for funding.
Proposed TRAX lines have been on the drawing boards for some time to the southwest part of the valley, called the Mid-Jordan line, to West Valley, Draper and the airport.
John Inglish, General Manager, UTA: "We can build those four projects and have them open and operating in seven years."
Leaders of a variety of governments are exploring a Salt Lake County ballot referendum,perhaps for this fall, to raise nearly 900 million dollars to pay for the whole package.
John Inglish, General Manager UTA: "And the exciting thing about it is we're ready to start construction on all four of those projects next year. The environmental work is done."
If approved, the general obligation bond would raise 875 million. That, combined with both federal and other UTA funding, would equal a grand total of about 1.25 billion dollars. The tax increase for the average homeowner of a 180-thousand dollar home would be about $75 dollars a year; that's about $6 a month.
A recent Dan Jones and Associates poll for KSL-TV and the Deseret Morning News finds a majority support the idea. The poll of 245 Salt Lake County residents found 56% would approve such a tax increase, while 39% oppose.
Transportation leaders say either way, the lines will be built eventually, but...
John Inglish, General Manager, UTA: "It's important to understand that we'll still build these four projects, but they'll take the next 20 years to be built."
And with the county's explosive growth, many leaders argue the new lines are needed sooner rather than later.
Again, this is just a proposal; it would need the green light from both the Salt Lake Council of Governments and then the Salt Lake County Council. A decision to put it on the ballot could come within two months.
