Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation I15 Reconstruction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah Senate backs resolution authorizing bonding plan for I‑15 South reconstruction
Summary
The Utah Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 on March 4, 2008, authorizing a bonding framework under the Centennial Highway Fund to finance the I‑15 South reconstruction project, setting an upper bonding intent of about $1.849 billion and emphasizing safeguards for the state's AAA bond rating.
The Utah Senate on March 4 passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, a legislative authorization that directs the state and the Utah Department of Transportation to proceed with planning for a bonded reconstruction of I‑15 South under the Centennial Highway Fund financing framework. President Valentine, the resolution sponsor, said the measure follows the 1995 model used to fund large highway projects and reflected a Transportation Commission recommendation naming I‑15 South the next priority for major capacity improvements.
The chamber’s debate focused on financing scope and protections. Senator Hilliard and others asked whether adopting the resolution would commit the state to future tax increases; President Valentine replied that ‘‘under the plan of financing that is in place now … the answer is no,’’ and that the Centennial Highway Fund and local options were expected to cover the project without an immediate statewide tax increase. Senators also discussed local sales‑tax options — a locally imposed “tenth of a cent” for Class II counties — and the plan to use those funds on state projects inside the imposing county.
Senator Stevenson urged vigilance that the body not lose sight of a middle section of the corridor (1200 South to Lehi) and asked whether scoping decisions would preclude later work if funding became available; supporters said the Transportation Commission sets priorities but the Legislature retains bonding authority and can revisit scope as finances permit. Sponsor remarks repeatedly emphasized limits intended to preserve the state’s AAA credit rating and avoid exceeding statutory bond ceilings, including an express intent limit cited in debate of about $1,848,800,000.
Senators described the resolution as a policy step to authorize bonding authority and priority-setting without obligating immediate outlays. After extended questions and assurances about fiscal safeguards and local financing mechanisms, the body voted to pass the resolution. The resolution received 28 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent on the roll-call reported in the chamber.
Next steps: The concurrent resolution was ordered referred to the House for further consideration, where the House will deliberate on concurrence and any implementing measures that could follow from UDOT’s scoping and financing plans.
