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Committee clarifies corridor preservation fund can buy rights‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit
Summary
House Bill 229 clarifies that the state's Corridor Preservation Fund may be used to acquire right‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit projects in addition to highway corridors.
Representative Christopherson presented House Bill 229 to clarify that the Corridor Preservation Fund may be used to acquire right‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit projects—such as commuter rail and bus rapid transit—alongside its existing authority for highway corridors.
Leif Elder of UDOT told the committee the fund currently has roughly $30 million available with transactions pending, and that ongoing revenues (a small tax on rental cars and similar vehicle leases) put about $5–$10 million per year into the fund. Elder described the fund as revolving: when projects proceed and funds are expended, repayment mechanisms return money to the fund for future purchases.
Jeff Acerson, speaking for the Utah Transit Authority, urged the committee to preserve corridors proactively, particularly in fast‑growing areas of Utah County, noting that early purchases reduce future costs and disruption to established neighborhoods.
A member of the public raised concerns about a prior UDOT purchase related to a project near Little Cottonwood Canyon and asked the committee to pause and examine whether statutory language could be used to acquire properties outside long‑range plans. Representative Christopherson and UDOT staff answered that UDOT already has statutory authority to purchase voluntary parcels and that the bill clarifies the fund's availability for fixed‑guideway transit; UDOT staff said they follow a willing‑seller process and that the sponsor's bill asks UDOT to be more proactive in identified corridors.
Representative Swear moved that the committee favorably recommend HB 229. The motion passed by voice vote; the chair ruled the motion passed unanimously.
The committee discussion emphasized voluntary purchases and coordination with local governments; UDOT staff said purchases are only from willing sellers and that the agency has followed appraisal and negotiation procedures.
The bill gives UDOT clearer authority to use corridor preservation funds for certain transit corridors when right‑of‑way opportunities arise, while preserving current appraisal and willing‑seller practices.
