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County pledges up to $1.7 million in matching funds for Mill Creek Canyon road project
Summary
Salt Lake County Council approved a commitment to provide up to $1,698,200 in matching funds and pass-through utilities funding to allow construction to start on the Mill Creek Canyon Road Improvement Project, while leaders said funds will only be transferred as they are received.
Salt Lake County Council voted to commit up to $1,698,200 in additional local match funding to the Mill Creek Canyon Road Improvement Project, allowing the project contractor to receive a notice to proceed.
The project, led by the U.S. Forest Service with funding through the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and local partners, has a revised total construction cost of about $29 million. The council action covers a $1.6 million match gap plus a $92,000 Rocky Mountain Power trenching pass-through that surfaced after bids were received.
Why it matters: Upper Mill Creek Canyon is among the county's most heavily used recreation corridors. Officials said the work will repair failing roadway and drainage, improve trailhead access and parking, and reduce informal on-road parking that damages vegetation and contributes to visitor congestion.
The county’s regional planning director, Helen Peters, told the council the county pursued grant and discretionary funds before asking the council for the remaining match. Partners that contributed or pledged funds include an Office of Outdoor Recreation grant (partial award), the Outdoor Recreation Initiative, and remaining state funds allocated previously for canyon work. Peters and county staff told the council the county will not transfer funds until they have been received and budget adjustments are made.
Mill Creek Mayor Silva Strini and representatives from the U.S. Forest Service joined county staff at the meeting to describe the project and its public outreach. A county official said design changes trimmed roadway widening to retain scenic values while addressing safety and environmental needs.
Council member Laurie Stringham moved to approve the agreements and supplemental match; Council member Harrison seconded. The chair called for the ayes and the motion carried.
Looking ahead: County staff said a formal budget adjustment to move received funds into the project account will be introduced at the next council meeting. Project partners said they are monitoring a short-term federal pause on some grant obligations, and county staff will follow up with FLAP administrators if the federal guidance changes.
