The Transportation Coordinating Committee convened on June 15, 2023, to discuss significant transportation projects and modifications in Wasatch County, Utah. The meeting focused on the proposed tolling for the Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons, among other agenda items.
The session began with a review of board modifications, which prompted a motion from committee member Kevin to remove tolling from the proposed projects. Kevin expressed concerns about the uncertainties surrounding the tolling initiative, emphasizing that it represents a significant financial burden, being the first of its kind in the nation with costs ranging from $25 to $30. He argued that further analysis is necessary before proceeding with such a substantial commitment.
The motion to remove the tolling equipment, which included $5 million for each canyon, was seconded but faced opposition. Several members, including Rob Daley, highlighted the constraints imposed by previous decisions and the need to adhere to the recommendations from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). They noted that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) had already set the course for the project, making it challenging to alter the current plans.
After a brief discussion, the motion to remove the tolling was put to a vote but ultimately failed, with the nays prevailing. Following this, the committee moved on to discuss the board modifications to the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). A motion to approve the modifications was made and passed, with a request for additional information on the tolling studies to be made available to all members for further review.
The meeting concluded with a presentation of the draft TIP and conformity analysis, setting the stage for public review and comment. The committee's discussions underscored the complexities involved in transportation planning and the balancing act between innovation and community impact.