This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
An article by Tribune reporter Chris Smart misrepresented Salt Lake City's efforts regarding funding the extension of the Sugar House Streetcar ("Salt Lake City misses Sugar House Streetcar grant deadline," Tribune, July 4).
The time taken for adoption of the preferred alternative route prevented the city from applying for 2013 federal funding. Salt Lake City was fortunate to obtain a grant for Phase One of the Sugar House Streetcar through the federal Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery program, and we may pursue this funding again for the extension.
Doing so this year was never an option because the TIGER application deadline was a mere four weeks after the City Council adopted the preferred alternative.
In addition to route alignment decisions, environmental impact evaluations and other requisites must be completed before a project can be considered for funding. In addition, submission of a premature application diminishes future chances of receiving funding.
The city hopes to complete the next steps in analysis and prepare for the 2014 round of TIGER applications, or other federal funding opportunities.
I look forward to continuing to work with the City Council and the community to advance all modes of transportation in Salt Lake City.
Mayor Ralph Becker
Salt Lake City