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House approves bill to establish 511 traveler information system, refers measure to Senate
Summary
The Utah House passed HB 202 to establish the 3-digit 511 traveler information number, designate UDOT as lead agency and authorize contracts and federal-grant funding; members questioned cost, potential consumer surcharges and contract authority before the 48–27 vote.
On the eighth day of the 2001 legislative session the Utah House passed House Bill 202, establishing 511 as the statewide traveler-information number and referring the bill to the Senate for further consideration.
Representative Marta Dilley, the sponsor, told the House HB 202 would consolidate about a dozen existing traveler-information numbers into a single three-digit number and name the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) the lead implementing agency. "House bill 202 establishes a 3 digit number, which is 511 to be used for traveler information," the sponsor said during her remarks.
The bill would permit UDOT to work with transit agencies and telecommunications providers, enter intergovernmental and contract agreements, and accept federal grant funds to help program telecommunications systems. Dilley told members the federal government has provided grants to assist start-up costs and that the department anticipates a roughly one-year to 18-month implementation schedule.
During floor questions Representative Garn read the fiscal note aloud and pressed whether implementation required new state appropriations. Dilley said current budgets at UDOT, UTA and other participating agencies can be reallocated and that available federal grants are expected to cover initial costs. She also told the House she had asked Tom Warren, UDOT director, who "said, we will not request additional funds." She added that some functions would be consolidated from about four departments that currently maintain traveler-information numbers.
Representative Paul Ray asked whether a surcharge on telephone bills would be required. Dilley said the ideal is "no surcharge" but acknowledged that a minimal per-call surcharge might be necessary and that any consumer charge would be limited to service users rather than appearing on all phone bills.
Members also asked what contracts or agreements might be needed. The sponsor said UDOT would likely use a mix of intergovernmental agreements and contracts with telecommunications providers and could pursue grant funding to offset implementation costs for participating carriers.
Representative Lockhart moved a floor amendment to replace the word "may" with "shall" in two places to require specified actions. The amendment passed on the floor and was incorporated into the bill.
After debate was waived, the House voted to pass HB 202; the clerk recorded 48 yes votes and 27 no votes. The bill will be referred to the Senate for consideration.
Next steps: the Senate will consider HB 202; sponsor and UDOT staff indicated grant funds and interagency contracts will drive implementation details and any ongoing operational arrangements with telecom providers.
