UDOT allocates $95M for 19 Utah Trail Network projects in 2024 funding round

The Active Transportation Committee convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss the progress and future plans for the Utah Trail Network (UTN). The meeting focused on the allocation of funds and the status of various trail projects across the state.

The committee reported on the development of the trails division over the past year and a half, emphasizing the urgency to utilize $45 million in one-time funding effectively. A comprehensive list of over 160 project ideas was created, which was then narrowed down to 43 shovel-ready projects. Ultimately, 19 projects were selected for funding, totaling $95 million. This discrepancy in funding was attributed to local contributions that allowed the state funds to stretch further.

Of the 19 funded projects, 14 are construction projects, while 5 are feasibility studies aimed at assessing the readiness of certain trails for construction. The committee highlighted the importance of these studies, particularly for projects that require additional evaluations, such as right-of-way issues.

The meeting also addressed the programming schedule for future funding. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) operates on a cycle where projects are funded in March and May. However, the committee decided to pause new project programming until a comprehensive statewide master plan for the UTN is completed, expected by the next programming cycle in May 2026.

The committee provided updates on specific projects funded in 2024, including various trail connections in Salt Lake County and the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) area. Notable projects include the Blacksmith Fork River Trail, the Bear Lake Trail, and the Vineyard Connector Trail, all aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and filling gaps in the existing trail network.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working closely with local communities to ensure the successful implementation of these projects. The committee emphasized the importance of collaboration, particularly in projects that involve complex logistical challenges, such as crossings over rail lines. The next steps will involve ongoing coordination with local governments and stakeholders to advance the UTN initiatives.