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Senators approve Holmgren amendment to set aside a share of Centennial Highway Fund for smaller projects
Summary
The Utah Senate adopted an amendment to House Bill 458 to reserve 15% (not to exceed 20%) of Centennial Highway Fund money for smaller, non‑interstate projects, after debate about priorities for I‑15 and noise mitigation ahead of the Olympics.
Senator Holmgren succeeded in adding an amendment to House Bill 458 that directs a portion of Centennial Highway Fund spending toward smaller projects. Holmgren told the Senate the amendment would recommend that 15%, but not to exceed 20%, of the centennial funds be available for smaller projects — projects larger than routine maintenance but not necessarily interstate reconstruction. "The amendment that I have passed out would recommend that 15%, but not to exceed 20% of this money, be spent basically on smaller projects," Holmgren said during debate.
The amendment prompted concern from senators who said the centennial money was intended primarily to ensure I‑15 and other interstate segments are ready for the Winter Olympics. One senator said taking 15–20% away "would cause ourselves a major problem" in having funds to complete the interstate work on time. Holmgren responded the fund is large and that a substantial portion would still complete necessary bypasses and alternate routes for I‑15 while providing modest funding for issues such as noise walls and other local priorities.
Supporters argued the change would jump‑start smaller projects that have languished on department wish lists, and would provide additional funding for noise abatement in the Salt Lake area. Opponents said setting aside money for non‑interstate work risks interrupting the main interstate schedule. After discussion, the Senate voted to adopt the amendment and then voted to pass House Bill 458 as amended; the clerk announced the bill passed with 26 yeas and 3 absent and will be returned to the House for enrollment and signature.
The bill as amended now instructs the executive director to use Centennial Highway Fund money consistent with Transportation Commission priorities but includes the newly adopted percentage for smaller, prioritized projects and language recognizing certain local needs such as noise abatement. The Senate record shows the amendment was presented and debated on the Senate floor and adopted before final passage. The bill will go back to the House for their consideration of the amendment and enrollment.
