Senate approves measure to move up water-and-roads funding; debate centers on trade-offs with tax cuts

Summary

The Utah Senate advanced a funding plan intended to direct a small sales-tax increment toward roads and water starting in 1995, amid debate over whether the measure would pre-empt future tax cuts and how the funds would be allocated. The bill was passed and transmitted to the House for further consideration.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate voted Feb. 2 to advance a funding proposal that would dedicate a small portion of sales-tax revenue to water and roads, moving the program’s start date up to 1995 and prompting lengthy debate over budget trade-offs and legislative control.

Senator Lyle Holmgren, sponsor of the measure on the Senate floor, said the bill is not designed to fund a particular project but to create a standing source of money for water-resource development and certain road needs. “I want to make very clear that I am not specifying any project; this is water and money to develop a water resource and some roads in the state of Utah that are badly needed,” Holmgren said during floor remarks advocating passage.

Supporters framed the proposal as a mechanism to ensure an ongoing, legislature-controlled pool of resources that can be appropriated each session. Holmgren and other proponents told colleagues the measure would…

Senate approves measure to move up water-and-roads funding; debate centers on trade-offs with tax cuts

Summary

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