The Senate Energy and Technology Confirmation Committee on June 10 unanimously recommended Paul Borup to the full Senate for appointment to the Utah Transportation Commission representing Region 1.

Borup, who told the committee he served a term on the Cache County Council and worked on regional bodies including the Bear River Association of Governments, emphasized his experience with local budgeting and infrastructure priorities. "Transportation really is unquestionably the role of government," Borup said, adding that "there's only trade offs, and being able to make those trade offs and make those hard decisions is something that this commission does as well."

The committee's recommendation forwards the governor's nominee to the full Senate for confirmation. Committee members praised Borup's local-government background and budget experience as relevant to planning and prioritizing statewide transportation projects. Senator Wilson moved to favorably recommend Borup; the committee recorded no opposition and the motion passed unanimously.

Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) told the committee he and UDOT staff had met with Borup and support the appointment, saying Borup's county experience would be helpful as UDOT brings project proposals and funding options to the commission. Committee Chair Harper thanked Borup and noted that although he would represent a multi-county region, the commission must weigh statewide priorities.

The appointment is for the seat vacated by former Transportation Commission representative Rhonda Menlove and covers Region 1 counties. The committee did not take additional formal directions or request reports; the next step is consideration by the full Senate.

The hearing included brief public comment and ended with a unanimous vote to recommend Borup to the full Senate.