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Richard Piatt ReportingThanks to the Legislature's special session, higher sales tax could pay for more trains and better roads in Salt Lake County. Voters will vote that idea up or down this fall; but an important question is left unanswered: What exactly will all that money pay for?
There is a sense of urgency in Salt Lake County. Originally, the money was going to pay for four new TRAX lines. But the Legislature says 'if you're going to raise taxes, you need to prioritize the projects'. That work is undone at this point.
There are many roads that need to be built, commuter rail that needs to be funded, and TRAX lines that need to be extended. So deciding which ones are most important is going to be tough.
In Salt Lake County this year, it's possible voters will trade a quarter cent sales tax hike for a mix of projects. In just more over one month, important decisions have to be made and a massive voter education effort needs to start.
Dennis Nordfelt, Wasatch Front Regional Council: "We've got some work to do, we've got to do it fast, because it's important for the public to know what they're voting for. If they're going to impose a tax on themselves they want to know what they're going to get for it."
Today the Governor signed the bill that would allow for the sales tax increase in every county, with the support of the people. He also signed his tax reform policy at the same time.
If voters approve that quarter cent sales tax increase, it will raise 1.7 billion dollars over 30 years for Salt Lake County. That's just a portion of the over all transportation needs over that same time period.
