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Senate advances one‑time funding for Heber Valley Historic Railroad to fix track, bridges and add ADA access
Summary
Senator Hinkins sought one‑time funding (about $940,000 on the floor) for the Heber Valley Historic Railroad for track maintenance (~$700,000), ADA access (~$240,000) and bridge repairs; sponsor said the item missed the regular appropriations deadline so was introduced as a bill. The Senate passed second reading 24‑0 and placed the bill on the third‑reading calendar.
Senator Hinkins presented SB224 to authorize one‑time funding for the Heber Valley Historic Railroad. Hinkins said the railroad has operated for 25+ years with no ongoing state operating appropriation and now needs track maintenance (~$700,000), ADA improvements to carry passengers in wheelchairs (~$240,000), and repairs on three historic bridges overseen by UDOT. On the floor Hinkins summarized the total ask as approximately $940,000 and said the request was run as a bill after missing the regular appropriations deadline.
Senator Henderson asked why the funding was not run through the standard appropriations process; Hinkins answered that the deadline had been missed and that running such one‑time items as bills is a longstanding parallel practice. Senator Milner confirmed the administration prefers not to duplicate both a budget request and a legislative bill and noted agency budget staff guidance.
The Senate recorded a roll call (24 yay, 0 nay, 5 absent) and placed the bill at the bottom of the third‑reading calendar.
Next steps: SB224 will be considered on third reading; fiscal details and appropriation language will be in the bill and the fiscal note.
