UDOT asked Transcom to approve programming $2,000,000 for an environmental assessment (EA) to study tolling and mitigation options in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Staff described the work as an initial NEPA-level review to evaluate toll implementation and to identify measures—such as enhanced bus service or mobility hubs—to mitigate equity and access impacts.

UDOT staff and Transcom members emphasized this is a study step, not a final decision to implement tolls. A UDOT presenter said the purpose is to answer how tolling would affect different user groups and what mitigation would be required: “We cannot…implement tolls without an environmental impact study,” (UDOT staff). The EA was described as likely to take 12 to 18 months and to generate significant public comment; therefore staff estimated an upper‑bound placeholder of $2 million for consultant work and outreach.

Committee members questioned the figure and whether information from the Little Cottonwood Canyon EIS could be reused. One member observed the Little Cottonwood EIS cost about $13 million and asked why a $2 million study would be needed for Big Cottonwood when technical data might be shared. UDOT staff said some technical work can be reused but the EA must analyze canyon‑specific impacts and run a separate public‑involvement process. Trustee Christiansen and other members noted the EA is a federal procedural requirement under NEPA to evaluate alternatives and public input before implementing tolls.

UDOT staff described the $2 million as an estimate for an EA (not a full EIS), with the caveat that consultant bids set the actual contract price; the figure includes significant public‑engagement effort. A UDOT director said the EA could come in for less or more depending on proposals, and that the first step after consultant selection is a “class of action determination” to confirm whether an EA or a full EIS is required.

The EA was part of the TIP package approved that day; Transcom approved the board modification that programs the $2 million placeholder for the Big Cottonwood environmental study.

Ending: Transcom approved the TIP modification that includes the Big Cottonwood environmental study. UDOT staff said they will proceed with a consultant procurement, perform the class of action determination, and return to the public and to regional partners as the EA advances.