It’s the story of the little light rail that could, and it could perhaps be extended past Rice-Eccles Stadium to University Medical Center.
The University of Utah and Utah Transit Authority hope the project will receive funding from the U.S. Congress. If it does, construction can begin shortly after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
While they wait, wires hang on the nearly completed 400 South line leading to Rice Eccles Stadium. One week ago, UTA pushed a TRAX car up the extent of the line, checking the smoothness of the track.
Within weeks, TRAX cars will be running the lines without passengers waiting for the first day of public operation?Dec. 15.
On that day, Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer Dorn will attend the grand opening of the line.
Some people speculate that she could use the opening to make an announcement that funding has gone through. However, U Special Assistant to the President Mike Benson said those rumors may be premature.
“If it doesn’t have to do with national security or defense, it is on the back burner of the Legislature right now,” Benson said.
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress has concentrated on legislation dealing primarily with the war in Afghanistan.
But U and UTA officials still think they can get a full funding agreement which guarantees federal payment for at least 50 percent of the $82 million needed to construct the line.
As the U.S. Department of Transportation’s top official, Dorn gave her approval of the extension earlier this year, by giving the project a letter of no prejudice. This letter allows the project consideration by the U.S. Transportation Appropriations Committee.
“This is a sign from the Federal Transit Administration that it is a good project and is high on their list for funding,” said UTA Director of Transit Development Mike Allegra, in an earlier interview.
Utah Department of Transportation estimates the extension will provide transportation for more than 30,000 employees and patients annually.
As a member of the Senate Advisory Committee on Transportation, Sen. Bob Bennett has voiced his support for the extension, saying this area is one of Utah’s busiest traffic points.
Administrative Medical Director Judith Short, agrees with Bennett. She believes light rail access to the medical center is essential.
Also serving on the UTA Community Coordination Team, Short firmly believes that if built, many people will give up their cars and ride TRAX.
Out of the six people who work in her office, only one currently rides the bus to work. Three others have said they would ride TRAX if it were an option, Short said in a previous interview.
Construction plans over the next few years will place three new buildings on existing parking lots, making parking even more difficult.
Construction is scheduled to start April 2002.
“I don’t think you can overstate how important this is for campus,” Benson said.
During the Olympics, the original east-west line will carry U faculty and staff through the crowded streets to campus, Benson said.