REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
UTAH TRANSIT AUTHORITY FULL FUNDING
GRANT AGREEMENT
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
JUNE 16, 2006
1:30 PM
Thank you, John Inglish, Utah Transit Authority General Manager, for that kind
introduction. And thank you, Senator Bennett, for your leadership on behalf of
your constituents in our Nation’s Capitol. Governor Huntsman, thank you for
being such a strong advocate for the people of Utah.
Congestion in this country is one of the single largest threats to our economic
prosperity and way of life. The simple truth is that our roads, bridges, and
highways are not meeting the needs of commuters, travelers, and businesses
nationwide. America’s “congestion bill” is an estimated $200 billion a year in
added costs, wasted fuel, and squandered time.
The people here in Utah know that the strain of congestion is not limited to Los
Angeles or New York City alone. Congestion touches every American and everything
we buy – from our weekly groceries, to the socks on our feet, to the light bulbs
in our homes.
When goods are tied up in traffic, hard-working consumers end up paying the
price. In Salt Lake City alone, it is estimated that congestion costs $257
million and 15 million hours in 2003 – time and money better spent on friends,
families, and enjoying life.
Clearly, we must act – and act fast – to address this growing concern. Too many
Americans have come to think of congestion with the likes of death and taxes –
as one of the only certain things in life. But the truth is that congestion does
not have to be a fact of life.
So today, the Bush Administration, with help from your congressional delegation
and Governor Huntsman, is signing a Full Funding Grant Agreement worth $489
million to complete the Weber County-Salt Lake City commuter rail project.
When fully operational, this rail line is expected to carry almost 12,000
week-day passengers. That is the equivalent of moving nearly 6,000 cars off the
roads every day.
Because it runs parallel to I-15, this rail line offers a common-sense solution
to highway congestion to and from Salt Lake City. Fewer cars on the road during
rush hours will help keep people and products moving through Salt Lake City
safely and on time, no matter which path they choose.
When completed, this commuter rail line will run the 44 miles from Pleasant View
to Salt Lake City, just west of the central business district, making it easier
for workers to get to Salt Lake City’s booming businesses.
And with Utah’s population estimated to increase 62 percent over the next 20
years along the proposed corridor, this major, 8-station rail project couldn’t
come at a more critical time.
By working with your state and federal leaders, we were able to identify the
growing threat that congestion poses to the region’s economic vitality, and lay
plans to eliminate it.
This project will be integrated as part of the Utah Transit Authority’s regional
transit system, providing a direct connection for commuter rail, light rail, and
passenger rail with assorted bus services.
This major investment means that commuters will have a choice when services open
in the fall of 2008.
The Department believes in investing in America’s future. But this particular
project is just one way that we can fight congestion.
Just last month, I was here in Salt Lake City to announce the Bush
Administration’s congestion relief initiative. The National Strategy to Reduce
Congestion on America’s Transportation Network provides a strong blueprint to
follow as we work to curb this daunting – but by no means insurmountable –
problem.
We know that congestion relief is not easy work. It has taken decades to clog
our transportation network, and it will take a lot of time, energy, imagination
and ingenuity to get us moving again.
But one thing is certain: well designed transit projects, such as this one, are
critical to the congestion solution. When complete, this project will offer a
real alternative to gridlock and relieve the pressure on local highways.
The fact is that we all have a vested interest in reducing congestion.
By using the tools and technology available, we can put our lives back in the
fast lane. And today, we are taking a giant step in that direction.
Congratulations, Salt Lake City, on receiving this Full Funding Grant Agreement.
Thank you for having me, and thank you for being here on this historic occasion.
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Briefing Room
