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The Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday to a bill that could transfer nearly a half-billion dollars from transportation to water projects over the next 11 years — including possibly for the controversial Lake Powell Pipeline.
It voted 19-10 to send SB80 to a final vote later. It would shift a 1/16th sales tax now earmarked for large transportation projects to water projects.
Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, the bill's sponsor, said the money would be put into a restricted account and gain interest for future water projects needed to supply the state's growing population.
He said the bill would "make time our friend instead of our enemy" by allowing a large pot of money to grow with interest. "This is great fiscal management." He said money from it could not be released for any project without a vote of the Legislature.
While he and others said the money isn't necessarily being set aside for an expensive pipeline from Lake Powell to the St. George area, much of the debate focused on that potential controversial use — which environmental groups oppose, calling for better conservation instead.
Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, said, "Obviously, one of the projects I would like to see funded is Washington County. We're not criminals for wanting our water to be developed. We have had the growth."
He said, "It's not realistic to expect a small community to front $1.3 billion, maybe it will get up to $2 billion" for the Lake Powell Pipeline. He said the area would repay it.
But Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, complained that many areas that would benefit from the pipeline now have some of the cheapest water rates in the state. He said they should raise them first and build up funds for such projects before approaching the state for expensive help.
He also worries about the money that would be diverted from roads. The Utah Department of Transportation estimated this month that the bill would divert $472.6 billion from its projects over an 11-year period.
It released a list of projects that could delay, including such things as continuing work to convert Bangerter Highway into a freeway, completion of the Mountain View Corridor freeway and construction of the proposed West Davis Corridor freeway in Davis and Weber counties.
Hillyard worried it could delay a needed project on State Road 30 between Logan and Tremonton. Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, wondered about completion of the Mountain View Corridor, and said that transportation — like water — is needed for Utah's future.
"What are we going to do for transportation?" Mayne asked. "Are we starving one child for another child? I don't know."
Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, said the bill would force the state to borrow through bonding for key transportation projects now clearly identified in long-range plans, while it would save for vague, yet-to-be defined water projects.
He also noted that Gov. Gary Herbert has also proposed to shift a similar amount from transportation to education — so lawmakers should carefully consider priorities.