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Utah MPOs and partners press Congress for larger formula funding, streamlined programs in surface transportation reauthorization
Summary
WFRC and state partners outlined federal reauthorization priorities to Utah’s congressional delegation, urging timely long‑term reauthorization, increased metropolitan planning and STP formula funding, and streamlined program administration to help meet local infrastructure demand.
Wasatch Front Regional Council staff and partner agencies said they are coordinating with Utah’s congressional delegation and transportation agencies to press federal lawmakers for larger, more reliable formula funding and streamlined program administration in the next surface transportation reauthorization.
Miranda Jones Cox, WFRC government affairs staff, told the council in May that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds are scheduled to be reauthorized in 2026 and that Utah MPOs, UDOT, UTA and other statewide partners have produced shared principles and MPO‑specific priorities for congressional consideration. Those principles emphasize timely, long‑term authorization, robust investment levels, strengthened formula funding and streamlined discretionary program administration.
Andrew Gruber, WFRC executive director, said the MPOs are advocating to increase metropolitan planning funding and the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STP) program because local demand far outstrips available formula funds. Carlos Braceras of UDOT (speaking in the meeting) and Carlton (UDOT/UTA representatives) said discretionary grants are useful but that stable formula funding is essential for planners to program and deliver projects.
Gruber and others noted that Utah’s rapid growth and inflationary pressures have widened the gap between project requests and available funds. They said the delegation’s committee positions — House and Senate transportation committees and appropriations — create an opportunity to press for changes that would help Utah’s MPOs and local governments deliver critical projects.
WFRC staff said they will continue to supply the delegation with technical materials and unified priorities that reflect the needs of Utah’s MPOs, transit agencies and local governments.
