Congressman Matheson urges timely, targeted stimulus, infrastructure and energy actions in address to Utah House
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Summary
U.S. Congressman Jim Matheson told the Utah House he expects a bipartisan stimulus package and urged investment in infrastructure, highlighted federal support for the new St. George airport and recent fuel-economy legislation, and pressed for federal action on Moab tailings cleanup and mine-communications research.
Congressman Jim Matheson addressed the Utah House in Committee of the Whole, urging federal action on an economic stimulus and emphasizing infrastructure and energy priorities for Utah.
"It is going to be designed in a way to inject a stimulus into this economy as quickly as possible," Matheson told the chamber, saying the package should be "timely and targeted and temporary." He said the plan likely will include rebates and immediate business tax depreciation to help businesses and households respond to the downturn.
Matheson highlighted infrastructure as a longer-term economic investment and singled out the new St. George airport project, noting the federal government has provided about $17 million and submitted a letter of intent for another $90 million for that project. He urged the legislature to support efforts that would strengthen Utah's position for federal transportation dollars as competition increases nationwide.
On energy, Matheson cited recent federal legislation that raises corporate average fuel economy standards toward an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 and estimated it will create new jobs and save Utahns on fuel costs. He also told members he has pushed for federal attention and a statutory deadline to speed cleanup of the tailings pile near Moab.
Matheson discussed mine-safety communications following the Crandall Canyon tragedy, saying he worked to accelerate federal research into communications technology to allow contact with miners trapped underground. He told legislators that research to improve underground wireless communications is a current priority in Congress.
Several representatives asked about higher-education provisions in pending federal legislation and about federal assistance for interstate projects. Matheson said his staff would follow up on specific statutory language and reiterated that changes to federal revenue formulas or gas-tax arrangements remain politically complex.
Matheson closed by offering to work with the state delegation on projects important to Utah, and members thanked him for the visit. He remained on the floor for questions from multiple representatives.
