Identify funding sources dedicated to transportation and the costs of constructing, maintaining, and operating the transportation system over the period of the long-range plan.

The roadway costs and transit costs and revenue projections for the 2015-2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) were analyzed by Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and the other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in the state. A financial model was developed to help distribute funding for planning purposes between the MPOs and the state for the development of the long-range transportation plan. Consistent growth factors, project costs, and new revenue assumptions were coordinated at this level.

For roadway projects, WFRC estimated current funding levels necessary to construct, operate, maintain, preserve, and administer the state roadway system. Through UDOT’s Asset Management Program, WFRC estimated the additional revenues, beyond the current levels, needed to maintain and preserve the roadway system in a state of good repair. We assumed that future construction projects will include some system maintenance and preservation funds.

For transit projects, WFRC estimated costs for projects including new construction, operations and maintenance, maintenance facilities, and debt service. WFRC worked with UTA to estimate capital as well as operating and maintenance costs to implement the 2015-2040 RTP’s recommended transit improvements. Recommended major investment costs include commuter rail, light rail, streetcar, bus rapid transit, and enhanced bus lines. Built into the costs for each new service are the proportional costs of the required maintenance facility. Project costs were derived from study estimates where possible but were otherwise estimated on a per unit basis.

For active transportation projects, WFRC assumed that most planned bicycle routes will be built in conjunction with road and transit projects. Additional projects on the Bicycle Priority Network are needed, but funding is not currently anticipated in the financial assumptions. Costs developed among transportation partners also include costs for the regional active transportation network.

Local estimates for maintenance, preservation and capacity needs were identified with help from the Utah Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) along with help from the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) and the Utah Association of Counties (UAC).

For additional information regarding the RTP, please contact Jory Johner.