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Rep. Jim Matheson Urges Utah Senators to Prepare for Federal Stimulus, Highlights Infrastructure Priorities
Summary
Rep. Jim Matheson told the Utah Senate he expects a federal stimulus package to move quickly, urged the state to pursue infrastructure funding (noting $17M already for St. George Airport and a $90M letter of intent), and discussed energy and cleanup priorities including a cleanup deadline for Moab tailings.
Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah), representing Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, addressed the Utah State Senate in a Committee of the Whole and outlined federal actions and opportunities relevant to the state, including stimulus prospects, infrastructure funding needs and recent energy legislation.
Matheson said he expected a stimulus package to move "very quickly" and described elements that could provide near-term relief, including rebates to individuals and business tax treatments designed to inject cash into the economy. He urged Utah lawmakers to be ready to compete for federal infrastructure dollars and to "strike while the iron is hot," citing a federal delivery of $17,000,000 already awarded to St. George and a letter of intent for an additional $90,000,000 for airport development.
On energy, Matheson noted recently enacted federal standards that will require a combined 35 miles-per-gallon average for cars and light trucks by 2020. He said the change could reduce national oil use and save Utah drivers fuel costs but also create new challenges for funding roads if gasoline-based user fees decline.
Matheson also described actions to secure a completion date for cleanup of tailings near Moab, saying he and other delegation members included language in defense legislation to set a firm deadline for the Department of Energy to finish remediation work. On mining safety, he noted congressional support for research into underground wireless communications following the Crandall Canyon disaster.
Senators asked Matheson about air quality, transit funding and federal assistance; he reiterated that federal policies can support alternative fuels and research and that Utah should ready transit projects to compete for limited federal grants. Matheson closed by offering constituent services through his Washington office and expressing willingness to work with state leaders on federal matters.
