By pledging $25 million, the state would receive about $480 million in federal funds to build a much-needed west-east light-rail system.
The Legislature would be foolish not to accept what amounts to roughly a 20-to-1 matching fund proposal. Despite some legitimate concerns and questions that need to be answered, the Legislature needs to make that commitment. Failure to do so would put the entire project at risk.Welcome to life in the construction fast lane, a lane that is tied in large part to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and also to growth projections for the next 50 years.
As this page has consistently said, light rail is needed as part of an overall plan to deal with increased transportation needs along the Wasatch Front in the 21st century. The north-south light-rail line is well under way and will link Sandy and other Salt Lake suburbs to the downtown area.
The west-east 10.9-mile spur would link all areas between Salt Lake International Airport and the University of Utah. It would need to be built either with federal funds or local funds. To put the federal funds in jeopardy would be extremely unwise.
It has been noted that the Legislature hasn't given any state money to light rail. In large part that's because the Legislature hasn't had to face such a major transportation issue.
Now, the time has come for the Legislature to make its support for light rail clear -- not only regarding the west-east line but the entire concept as a way to improve transportation. It needs to, in this session, commit to donate the $3 million to $5 million a year in operating costs over the next three to five years to secure maximum federal funding.
Trying to get all the i's dotted and t's crossed before making a decision would just put an unneeded logjam in the way. Planners, for example, are counting on $80 million in fast-track funding for finishing the project by 2002.
For that to happen, work must begin this summer or at the latest this fall.
Questions regarding how much of the $25 million the state should fund, as opposed to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, could be debated after the Legislature assures Washington local funds will be available. It clearly is in the best interest of the state to do so.