UTA seeks $5M for Davis Salt Lake connector amid $83M funding requests

During the recent TransCom Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting held on March 26, 2025, in Ogden-Layton, significant discussions centered around funding requests for various transportation projects in the region. The committee highlighted a pressing need for financial support, as the total cost of unique projects reached approximately $174 million, with requests exceeding $83 million. However, only about $16 million is currently available in the program, indicating a substantial funding gap.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration among different counties to maximize the use of available transportation funds. Committee members expressed a desire to integrate efforts across Davis and Weber Counties to ensure that as many projects as possible can be funded and completed.

Five key projects were presented for funding consideration:

1. **Davis Salt Lake Connector**: A transit facility project by UTA, requesting $5 million over three years to enhance operations from Farmington Station to Research Park.

2. **Vanpool Expansion**: Another UTA initiative aimed at expanding vanpool services in Davis and Weber Counties, with a total project cost of $450,000 and a funding request of approximately $419,000.

3. **North Ogden Intersection Improvement**: This project seeks to transform a four-way intersection at 2100 North and Fruitland Drive into a roundabout, with an estimated cost of over $4.5 million and a funding request of about $4.2 million.

4. **Far West Bike Lanes and Sidewalks**: A project focused on improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure along 2575 West, with an estimated cost of $1.5 million and a funding request of approximately $1.4 million.

5. **Weber County Safe Routes Project**: Aiming to enhance safety around West Weber Elementary School on Ninth South, this project has an estimated cost of $1.4 million and a funding request of about $1.2 million.

The discussions underscored the critical need for strategic funding allocation to address transportation infrastructure challenges in the region. As the committee moves forward, the integration of these projects and collaboration among counties will be essential in addressing the significant funding shortfall and improving transportation options for residents.