UDOT Little Cottonwood Canyon Final EIS
Today UDOT released the final recommendation and identified Gondola B, with proposed phasing, as the preferred alternative.
UDOT includes these findings:
Support for gondola and bus alternatives
Support for tolling
Support for phased implementation
Consideration of all canyon users, not just resort visitors
Keep existing recreation opportunities intact
Maintain existing visual experience
Many of these findings are in direct conflict with the choice of the gondola. I support all of these finding other than the gondola.
UDOT also states the funding is not immediately available. The cost of the gondola is a major concern for all taxpayers.
As I have knocked thousands of constituent doors this summer and held many Neighborhood Chats, the vast majority of constituents share their desire to keep Little Cottonwood Canyon in its present state and prefer expanded parking reservation systems, increased carpooling, and more responsive busing service. With a cost of over $550 million, including about $10 million in yearly maintenance funding, this doesn't benefit enough Utahns to have my support. Imagine the positive impact this amount of funding could have for affordable housing or housing for homeless individuals, for public education, and many other needs that would benefit taxpayers and our society.
I encourage all of us to share our concerns and vision during the public comment period, which ends October 17th.
Thank you for your emails and phone calls. Because of questions and concerns shared by members of our community, I've been investigating a wide variety of issues. I always welcome your email or phone call.
I always welcome your email, text or phone call. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook and my website.
