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House approves $1 million request to create state park access grant program
Summary
HB121 authorizes local governments to apply for 50/50 matching grants for access roads to state parks and appropriates $1,000,000 from the general fund; debate centered on equity for Wasatch Front counties and prioritization of limited funds.
The House approved House Bill 121 on Feb. 6, a bill introduced to create a grants program administered by the Department of Transportation to fund county road improvements that provide access to state parks.
Sponsor Representative Hatch said 144 miles of roadways lead to state parks across Utah and counties often lack funds to maintain these access roads. The bill authorizes local governments to apply for matching grants and requests a $1,000,000 appropriation from the general fund to establish a fifty-fifty matching program.
Members asked whether Wasatch Front counties that host high-traffic parks would receive equitable treatment given that gasoline tax receipts largely remain on the Wasatch Front; the sponsor responded that parks across the Wasatch Front and rural counties would be eligible and the program would prioritize projects based on need. Specific examples cited included Antelope Island, Jordanelle, and Great Salt Lake State Park.
HB121 passed in the House by recorded vote, 52 yes to 16 no, and will be referred to the Senate.
