HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS NEWSLETTER INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
- UCAIR Names WFRC “Community Partner of the Year”
- May Map of the Month: Southwest Salt Lake County Transportation Analysis
- Government Affairs Update
- May is Bike Month!
- Emergency Broadband Benefit Opportunity
- Help to Plan the Point!
- Volunteer Activities at the Jordan River
- Funding Available - LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Conservation Fund
|
|
UCAIR Names WFRC
“Community Partner of the Year”
|
|
The Wasatch Front Regional Council was honored to receive the UCAIR Community Partner of the Year award at the 6th Annual UCAIR Summit on May 12. In accepting the award, WFRC Executive Director Andrew Gruber recognized the collaborative effort of WFRC member communities and partners and said, “The way that we design our communities and the way that we build our infrastructure will have a huge impact on our air quality over the long term.” View the award video below. |
|
May Map of the Month: Southwest Salt Lake County Transportation Analysis |
|
Our Map of the Month is a new website featuring the final recommendations from the recently completed Southwest Salt Lake County Transportation Study, covering Bluffdale, Copperton, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, West Jordan, and nearby unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County.
The Salt Lake Valley's SW quadrant is one of the fastest growing areas in Utah. This study explored additional and expedited transportation projects -- within the context of evolving land uses -- above and beyond what is currently planned in the fiscally constrained 2019-2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).
Through multiple rounds of engagement with community leaders, staff, and transportation agencies, the study process developed a "preferred scenario" set of roadway, transit, and active transportation projects, including new projects that would add an estimated $1 billion in investment, above current regional and local plans. The study's website provides maps, project lists, and projected land use changes for the preferred scenario as well as some of the performance metrics that were weighed during the study process.
The Southwest Salt Lake County Transportation Study was funded by UTA, UDOT, Salt Lake County, and WFRC through the Transportation and Land Use Connection (TLC) Program. The new projects identified in the preferred scenario will be considered for inclusion in the next RTP update, which is scheduled to be completed for adoption in 2023.
|
|
Utah Special Session and Interim
Following recent guidance from the U.S. Treasury, the Utah Legislature gathered May 19 in a special session to accept and begin appropriating the roughly $1.5 billion dollars coming to the state in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. The Legislature and Governor developed guiding principles for the use of these ARPA funds, so as to avoid creating additional inflationary pressures or new ongoing obligations, and to make long-term, transformative investments. As such the Legislature appropriated only approximately $540 million (roughly one-third) of the funding in SB1001, deferring final decisions on the remainder to the next general legislative session in 2022.
Notable appropriations included $50 million for a matching grant program for local governments (HB1004), $35 million for an affordable housing local match grant program, $100 million for water conservation and development grants, and over $480 million set-aside for ‘Revenue Replacement and Infrastructure’ appropriations (which is noteworthy as the Federal Treasury guidance provided that these funds associated with revenue replacement can be used more flexibly than the other funds -- including for transportation projects).
Lastly, in a full day of interim legislative committee meetings on May 18, Wasatch Front Regional Council, along with our transportation partners, presented on state transportation funding and corridor preservation during the Transportation Interim Committee hearing. Specifically, WFRC highlighted the importance of funding all modes of transportation, as reflected in Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan. Over the interim, the committee will continue to dive into transportation funding policies, and will further look at the gas tax, road usage charge (RUC) program, tolling, and other methods to fund transportation.
|
|
Federal Update
Transportation Reauthorization: The current federal surface transportation legislation, which establishes federal policy and sets baseline funding for transportation, expires September 30, 2021. The Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee (EPW) has released the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 which proposes baseline funding levels over the next five years for U.S. Department of Transportation programs for highways, roads and bridges. This table shows the proposed apportionment levels in the bill as the EPW Committee Markup will begin on May 26th. Most of these funds would be distributed by formulas over the five-year period. The EPW proposal does not include funding for transit, nor does it identify revenue sources; that depends on the action of other Senate committees. The House continues its work on reauthorization proposals as well.
Infrastructure Negotiations: Bipartisan negotiations between the Biden Administration and Congress continue on a comprehensive infrastructure package with the size, scope, and pay-fors of the package remaining points of contention. This potential package could be supplemental to the baseline transportation authorization legislation levels. On Friday, the Biden Administration provided a counteroffer to reduce its $2.25 trillion proposal down to $1.7 billion, which still greatly exceeded the Republican’s initial counterproposal of roughly $600 billion. All sides have agreed that investment in our nation’s infrastructure is critical; whether a bipartisan agreement can be reached is uncertain.
|
|
Check out our Favorite Bike Rides!
WFRC staff is sharing some of their favorite bike rides ranging from easy, intermediate, and challenging. Check them out HERE!
|
|
Move Utah Webinar Series
Move Utah is hosting a series of webinars focused on important topics related to active transportation across Utah. The webinars feature subject-matter experts, local community leaders, industry advocates, and others. These virtual events will provide excellent opportunities to dive deep into the latest on active transportation planning and implementation. Don't miss these engaging and instructive sessions - all from the comfort of your own home or office! CLICK HERE to register for upcoming webinars, and to view previous webinars.
|
|
Emergency Broadband Benefit Opportunity |
|
Recently the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED); divisions of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement; the Utah State Board of Education; and Utah Communities Connect jointly announced their efforts to help build consumer awareness about the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of monthly broadband internet service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment for the program begins May 12, 2021.
The state's Emergency Broadband Benefit webpage was also launched. It is a single source to assist individuals and families applying for the benefit. Information about state broadband availability, FCC federal EBB resources, as well as local participating internet service providers can all be found there. Share this resource with your community to help spread the word!
|
|
The 600 acres of state-owned property at the current site of the Utah State Prison is called "The Point." In the heart of Utah’s burgeoning high-technology sector, centrally located between Utah’s two most populous counties and well served by high-capacity transportation infrastructure, The Point is arguably the most significant development opportunity in state history.
The Point is owned by all Utahns so all Utahns will have an opportunity to actively participate in planning for its future. The draft plan has been released and you can comment! Take their brief, 5-minute survey HERE. The survey will be open until Friday, May 28, at 5 p.m. MDT.
|
|
Volunteer Activities at the Jordan River |
|
Recently, some of WFRC’s staff took advantage of one of the many volunteer opportunities provided by the Jordan River Commission and cleaned up trash along the trail near North Temple. We had a great time maintaining one of our Region's greatest assets and connecting with our team who we have missed greatly over the last 14 months.
The Commission has other volunteer opportunities that vary based on the time of year. Current volunteer projects include invasive weed removal and reseeding, canoe cleanups, and parkway trail cleanups. These are COVID-safe opportunities to help keep the Jordan River Parkway clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. More information can be found here.
Additionally, the Jordan River Commission has partnered with Salt Lake City Public Lands, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation, Utah Department of Natural Resources, and Rocky Mountain Power to construct three new boat ramps in Salt Lake City along the River. A ribbon cutting ceremony is anticipated to take place in the coming weeks, so check out their story map and come see the great additions to the Jordan River Parkway!
|
|
Funding Available - LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Conservation Fund |
|
The Utah Quality Growth Commission is pleased to announce the availability of funds and the opening of an application cycle for the LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Conservation Fund. Pre-Applications may be submitted through Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 by 5:00 PM. The LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund provides grants to preserve or restore critical open or working agricultural land in Utah. Matching funds are required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
