House Bill 1008 (formerly HB18), or the Transportation Investment Act (TIF), will add $30 million of one-time money and $90 million each year from the state's general fund to be used for future highway construction projects.
With Interstate 15 as the backdrop for the ceremony, the governor said, “This bill is a great first step toward fixing the transportation challenge on I-15 in Utah County and throughout the state.”
The governor added, “More will be needed if we are to take care of our basic transportation needs.”
It is estimated that $7.9 billion will be required to meet the state's transportation needs over the next 10 years - $5.7 billion for highways and $2.2 billion for mass transit.
Though far from providing the necessary funds, TIF is a step in the right direction, say some legislators.
Citing Utah's increasing road congestion as a mark of the state's continued growth and economic success, Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, said much of the state's future success lies in its projected roadways.
“This is basically a new and improved Centennial Highway Fund,” said Dougall of HB1008. He said the bill will direct $4.5 billion over the next 10 years to the state's most critical transportation projects.
“Once the Centennial Highway Fund is gone, TIF will still be around,” Dougall said.
The Centennial Highway Fund was created in 1997 with approximately $2.4 billion for 41 highway projects.
But that was according to 1997 costs, Dougall said. Construction costs keep increasing every year - one of the challenges of funding.
HB 1008 sponsor Rep. Rebecca Lockhart, R-Provo, said she believes money for future transportation needs should come from auto-related sales tax, such as those generated from the purchase of motor vehicles.
Another method of generating transit funding is toll roads, which may be part of Utah's transportation future. Tollways would be paid for in large part by those who use them. Lockhart said general funds - mostly sales tax - is the best way to ensure funding for highway projects.
“Passing [HB1008] is a step in the right direction,” she said. “I think we'll eventually get there.”
Echoing Lockhart's sentiments and as a token for better highways to come, Huntsman passed out license plates to lawmakers during the Tuesday ceremony.
They read: “FIXNI15.”
aweeks@sltrib.com
