During a recent government meeting, Mayor Dan addressed the regional transportation plan (RTP), emphasizing its comprehensive nature and the importance of adhering to federal guidelines. He highlighted the necessity of staying ahead of infrastructure demands as the region continues to grow.
The mayor referenced a legal opinion from the West Regional Council, which stated that the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) does not have the authority to selectively choose elements of the environmental impact statement (EIS) related to regionally significant transportation projects. He specifically mentioned the gondola project, acknowledging that while there may be opposition to it, taking action against it could jeopardize the approval of the RTP.
Mayor Dan urged the regional growth committee to support the RTP in its current form, stressing the need to focus on effective alternatives such as bus systems, tolling, and congestion pricing. He also noted that the state legislature had disapproved a $150 million allocation intended for the initial phases of the project.
In addition, the meeting revealed that the planning process had garnered an unprecedented number of comments—over 34,100—indicating significant public engagement and interest in the transportation initiatives. This level of feedback was noted as a record compared to previous planning cycles, reflecting the community's active involvement in shaping regional transportation strategies.
The meeting concluded without further questions, signaling a consensus on the importance of moving forward with the RTP while considering community feedback and legal stipulations.