March 18, 2009
The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held in the St. George City Council Chambers, 175 East 200 North, St. George, Utah, was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by Chairman J. Stuart Adams. He welcomed those attending, and excused Commissioner Kent Millington from the meeting.
TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONERS GLEN BROWN AND STEVE BODILY Chairman Adams thanked Commissioners Glen Brown and Steve Bodily for their service on the Commission, as their terms expire on April 1st. He paid tribute to the many years they have spent serving the citizens of the State of Utah, and all the time and effort they have made in behalf of the Commission. Their experience and friendship will be missed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Brown moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2009, Staff Update Meeting, the February 12, 2009, Regular Commission Meeting, and the February 25, 2009, Special Commission Meeting, all held in Salt Lake City. Commissioner Bodily seconded the motion and the minutes were approved. LOCAL AREA PRESENTATION BY REGION FOUR Nathan Lee, Region Four Director, provided an overview of the local area presentation then reviewed several projects taking place in the area, which included capacity projects, I-15 pavement projects, bridge projects, and local government projects. Robert Dowell discussed safety projects, Jim McConnell reviewed pavement preservation projects and efficiencies, and Rick Torgerson talked about planning efforts taking place in the St. George area. He also reviewed a funding history for the I-15 corridor and the Southern Parkway. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Adams turned the time over to Commissioner Lewis for the Public Comments portion of the agenda. Commissioner Lewis called on Speaker David Clark to make a few comments. Speaker Clark noted that the last legislative session was a challenge, as the focus was on the budget. The budget was also focused on transportation. He thanked everyone for their hard work and efforts during the session. Mayor Rick Parsons of Big Water expressed his appreciation and said the speed reduction through their town has helped tremendously. Mayor Gerald Sherratt from Cedar City noted that he has been mayor for eight years and has come to the Commission for eight years regarding the South Cedar Interchange. He said it’s an improper interchange, it’s dangerous, and it’s getting worse. This is his eighth and last appeal for something to be done to the interchange, and he asked that it be put back on the STIP. Mayor Dan McGuire of Rockville spoke about a problem they have had with survey markers on SR-9 being buried. He would like to get them unburied. Commissioner Lewis asked Mayor McGuire to work with Jim McConnell on that issue. Commissioner Daniel Hulet from Kane County thanked the Commission and local UDOT staff for the cooperation they’ve had getting safety issues addressed. They are working on access issues as well. Rich Thorne from the AGC thanked the Department for being ready to react once the Legislature made their decisions on funding. He commented about the recent events of putting projects on hold and said the construction community has the capacity to meet the upcoming construction needs. Sherry Ruesch from Dixie State College stated that they would like to be part of the planning process for future projects on I-15, as their student enrollment continues to increase rapidly. Commissioner Holbrook recommended that she try and get on the Board of Regents agenda for when they meet at Dixie College. Time was turned back to Chairman Adams. UDOT SCOREBOARD Jim McMinimee, Project Development Director, gave the updates for both scoreboard items. He reviewed the information on the handouts for the construction program, and then gave the safety report, reviewing information on those handouts as well. REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDS
Lyle McMillan, Right of Way Director, distributed a handout showing the latest Corridor Preservation Fund balance. He then explained the first of today’s requests. The property is located at 5700 West and 3500 South, is in foreclosure, and is listed for sale at $100,000. It’s in a significant location for a MVC interchange, and the Corridor Preservation Advisory Council recommends approval. Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the Foreclosure Property purchase request. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. McMillan said that the MVC impacts over 100 acres of the Collins Brothers property, which is located north and west of Redwood Road on SR-73, but there aren’t enough funds for a total take. However, they would like to purchase nine acres, so that when Central Utah Water acquires property they need to put in a big water pipe, it would be on the west side of the MVC and not underneath the new road. Mr. McMillan said the appraisal hasn’t been completed yet, but the estimated value of the property is $2.3 million. The Advisory Council recommends approval, and considers this a protective purchase. Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the purchase of nine acres of the Collins Brothers property. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. McMillan said this property is located in Lehi and is in the path of the planned flyover from I-15 northbound to 2100 North on the MVC project. They would like to purchase the Hunnick property to prevent development. The property owner is asking $550,000, but an appraisal of the property will be done. The Advisory Council recommends approval. Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the Hunnick property purchase, once an appropriate appraisal completed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wilson and approved unanimously.
Mr. McMillan said the Kent property is located on the northwest corner of Bangerter Highway and Redwood Road. The plans are to have an interchange there at some point. The property owner is in the conceptual plan of platting his development and has a potential buyer interested in purchasing the property. Region Two would like to purchase the right of way so the developer doesn’t build on it. They don’t have an appraisal yet but the estimated value is $648,000 for approximately 1.24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval. Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the purchase of the Kent property, pending the results of an appraisal. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. UDOT PROPERTY TRADE
Mr. McMillan explained that UDOT is working on a trade with Washington County and SITLA. UDOT will be acquiring 31 acres in Purgatory on SR-9 for a future maintenance facility. Part of the land is level and part of it has a severe slope. Washington County owns most of the surrounding land and wants to build a new amphitheater on the west side of their property. UDOT and the county have been working on a trade of parts of these properties so they can become more suitable for future needs. UDOT will trade 18.925 acres to Washington County for 14.205 acres; the value of the exchange would be equal because of the topography of the UDOT trade parcel. Mayor Thomas Hirschi of Hurricane said they don’t have a problem with the trade, but they do have a problem with access, as they need a second access out of Hurricane for emergencies. They would like to use 5300 West. Ron Whitehead from Washington County said permanent access would not be a good idea, but it could be used in a true emergency. He said they would work with Hurricane City on that. Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the property trade between UDOT and Washington County as explained. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. LEGISLATIVE SESSION REVIEW AND FISCAL REPORT Linda Hull, Legislative and Government Affairs Director, reviewed the results of the last legislative session. She said the two Motor Carrier bills that UDOT requested in the session passed. She also reviewed several other bills, including HB 371 – Transportation Governance; HB 331 – Health Reform; SB 124 – Indemnification for Design Professional Services; SB 134 – Transportation Funding Amendments; HB 24 – Traffic Accident Clearance Amendments; HB 261 – Aviation Amendments; and SB 57 – Local Option Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund Amendments. Chuck Larsen, Comptroller, showed a few slides as part of his budget presentation. He said the pie charts only show what was appropriated, and it doesn’t tell the whole story. What is of more interest is the fact that next year, based on cash flow, what’s in the STIP, and what’s been programmed, they anticipate spending approximately $1.3 billion on projects, which will generate about 38,000 jobs. And that’s in addition to the stimulus package. Also of importance, because of impacts to cities and counties, is the revenue forecast for the Transportation Fund from motor fuel tax and special fuel tax, which have been decreasing drastically. And 30 percent of that drop is passed on to cities and counties through the B & C Road Funds. There was additional discussion regarding the B & C Road Funds and notification to local governments on the anticipated reductions. Director Njord commented on the fuel tax revenue chart and said fuel tax revenues have always increased every year, but with the recent dramatic decline, revenues are below 2001 levels. That will impact UDOT’s ability to do business, and it changes the way they do business. Chairman Adams expressed appreciation to Ms. Hull and Mr. Larsen for the work they’ve done and many hours they have put in during the session. PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Carlos Braceras, Deputy Director, referred to Tab 8A 1-8, and said the projects he would be covering are listed on the fact sheet under that tab. He talked about the projects addressed in SB 239, and said they are all contained within the prioritization process that was developed by the Transportation Commission. Mr. Braceras then referred to the “rainbow” sheets that were discussed in yesterday’s Update meeting and said they show the status of the projects, ie: whether they are under construction, in design, in the environmental process, etc. Changes that were made include the 800 North to I-15 American Fork Interchange (Vineyard) project on line 29. That project was originally programmed at $200 million. But after the Special Session in September, there was a need to reduce the CHNF by $35 million in FY 09, so the Commission took action in December to reduce the project by $35 million. The Legislature wanted to maintain $60 million in the project to complete the environmental process and to purchase right of way. Another change was to the Riverdale Road project, which was funded under the Centennial Highway program and is coming to a completion. The legislature wanted to show the project under a more active program, so it was funded in the CHNF for $31 million to complete option three. Other discussion included information on cash flow and bonding. Mr. Braceras continued his discussion of projects and noted that the bonding included additional funding, on top of the existing projects the Department has going, of $1.725 billion for the I-15 in Utah County project, $500 million for the MVC, $50 million for the Southern Parkway in Salt Lake County, and funding needed in order to keep projects going in the different programs such as the CHNF, CHF, etc. He mentioned that SB 239 required a $20 vehicle registration fee increase, which was the medium used to authorize the bonding. He also went over the information previously mentioned regarding job creation. Projects were then reviewed and discussed in detail prior to consideration by the Commission. Commissioner Bodily made a motion to approve the funding levels as follows: $50 million for the Southern Parkway, $1.725 billion for I-15 in Utah County, $500 for the Mountain View Corridor, $31 million for Riverdale Road, and the reduction of $93 million to the Vineyard Connector, 800 North to I-15, American Fork project. Also, that the decision on which phase will be done on the Southern Parkway would come back to the Commission for approval in the future. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewis and unanimously approved. Mr. Braceras reviewed the projects referenced in HB 185, which was bonding against revenues of the County of the First Class, Salt Lake County. The bill indicated that $15 million was to pay for projects in the following priority order: intersection improvements at 5400 South and Bangerter Highway, intersection improvements at 4700 South and Bangerter Highway, and reversible lanes on 5400 South and Bangerter, going east and terminating at either Redwood Road or I-15. In order to deliver these projects, Region Two recommended doing Continuous Flow intersections at 5400 South and Bangerter and 4700 South and Bangerter Highway. Also, as was recommended by Commissioner Brown in yesterday’s Update meeting, the wording would be changed from reversible lanes on 5400 South to capacity improvements on 5400 South. Mr. Braceras recommended that the Commission allocate $5 million to each of the three projects. It was noted by Doug Hattery of the Wasatch Front Regional Council that the Commission’s actions would need to be contingent upon action by the WFRC at their meeting next week, as they need to amend their Long Range Plan to include the projects in Phase One of their Long Range Plan. Commissioner Brown moved to approve the three projects as discussed, and at the funding levels recommended, subject to the action of the Wasatch Front Regional Council. Commissioner Bodily seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Bob Pelly, STIP Coordinator, said this item was reviewed in last month’s meeting; action by the Commission is being requested at this meeting. Additional funding of $30 million is needed for the South Layton Interchange; the proposal is to transfer $12 million of CHNF funds from the SR-67 Extension EIS, and $13 million of CHNF funds from the SR-193 Extension, 2000 West to I-15 in Davis County project. A request is being made to WFRC for the other $5 million needed. Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the transfer of $25 million to the South Layton Interchange project as explained. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was approved. Chairman Adams abstained from the vote.
Bob Pelly said Region Four is requesting an additional $250,000 for the SR-12; Escalante to Boulder Environmental Assessment project. The source of funds to be used will be Equity Bonus funds from the SR-10; Muddy Creek to Ferron project. The additional funds are necessary to conduct a public hearing, address comments received, and to finalize the document. Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the request for an additional $250,000 for the SR-12; Escalante to Boulder Environmental Assessment project. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bob Pelly said this is a Cache MPO TIP amendment to transfer $887,749 of STP_FLX_CMPO funds from the Logan River Bridge project to the 100 East; Providence project. Approval of the TIP amendment is needed. Commissioner Bodily moved to approve the Cache MPO TIP amendment, as described. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bob Pelly said this is a Mountainland TIP amendment to add two Federal Stimulus Funded transit projects to the STIP. One is UTA Replacement/Expansion Buses – Purchase new buses; the other is for Orem Intermodal Center – Construction. Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the Mountainland AOG TIP amendment, as described. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bob Pelly said this Dixie MPO TIP amendment is to add $1.1 million of Federal Stimulus Funds into their Transit Section of their TIP. The funds will be used for bus/facilities. Also, the DMPO would like to show an increase of Federal Stimulus Funding programmed on the Washington Fields Road over Virgin River project, from $300,000 to $760,000. Action would be contingent upon DMPO action.
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the Dixie MPO TIP amendment, as described, and subject to action by the Dixie MPO. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. ARRA UPDATE Jim McMinimee, Project Development Director, provided an update on the ARRA projects. He said the ARRA program is about $214 million for Utah. He distributed some handouts and reviewed the information on the first one, titled ARRA Projects, showing where the funds are going. He noted that the total project number dropped from 85 to 84. Bryan Cawley from FHWA talked about the FHWA side of the ARRA funding and requirements. Mr. McMinimee reviewed a second handout, titled ARRA Projects Delivery Schedule, and discussed the information on it. I-15 IN UTAH COUNTY UPDATE Dal Hawks, Project Director for the I-15 in Utah County project, gave an update on the I-15 in Utah County project. His powerpoint presentation included the following information: 2008 to 2009 Progress, January 2009 Cost Analysis, Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP), Bidding Environment, Program Funding, Expansion to Provo: $1.5 to $1.7 billion, Fixed Price/Best Design Approach, Selection Criteria, General Schedule, and Next Steps. He also answered questions from the Commission. PAVEMENT PRESERVATION/BRIDGE PRESERVATION/TRAFFIC AND SAFETY PROGRAM UPDATES Ahmad Jaber, Systems Planning and Programming Director, referred to the second page of the information under tab 11 in the binders and explained the impacts of decreased revenues on the state funds. He reviewed the reductions made in several of the state programs, which were to take the total program from $62.25 million at last year’s workshop to $37 million, as of February 25, 2009. He noted that stimulus funds have helped offset some of the loss in the pavement and bridge preservation programs, but the challenge at the April workshop will be how to balance the books for FY 2010. PAVEMENT SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS Mr. Jaber reviewed several slides with information regarding the statewide pavement condition and the steps to take to address the challenges the Department is facing. He said a QIT team was formed to look at pavement preservation/rehabilitation strategies. Their primary recommendations were to redefine goals for certain roads and to adjust pavement treatments/applications. From there, the QIT recommended major changes to the current strategy, including establishing Interstate, Level I and Level II road systems, based on AADT and truck traffic, re-examining treatment for Interstate and Level I roads, utilizing only Code 1 money for Level II roads, and doing chip seals as the only treatment for Level II roads. Mr. Jaber said they are also looking at revising how the Department utilizes and programs Orange, Purple, and Blue Book funds, but those recommendations will likely be presented in the April meeting. They are working on new targets and goals as well. Carlos Braceras said they looking for the Commission’s support of the philosophy that will give direction to the Regions and to the Planning and Programming area to develop the recommendations that would come to the workshop. Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the new pavement management strategy for the state road system. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bodily and unanimously approved. RESOLUTIONS
Carlos Braceras reminded the Commission of the discussion that took place last month on this resolution. He said there are two projects, one on SR-92 and the other associated with the MVC in Utah County, that will cross railroad right of ways for either UTA or Union Pacific Railroad. UDOT would normally be required to build a grade separated bridge crossing when building a corridor over rail lines. However, there are two problems. One is a lack of money; two is building bridges over nothing, as there are no immediate plans to expand or activate the rail lines. The agreement would be for the two agencies to give UDOT a five-year notice of any rail activation or expansion. UDOT would then build the necessary structure within that five-year period. Commissioner Brown moved to approve the resolution. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan explained that in 1991, UDOT attempted to get rid of some property after SR-126 was realigned. They wanted to give it to Layton City, but Layton City didn’t want it. So, a lawsuit was filed. UDOT won the lawsuit, but the deed was never recorded, and property doesn’t vest until it’s recorded. Now, UDOT needs that same property for the South Layton Interchange, and in doing preliminary right of way research, it turns out that UDOT still owns the property. So, the resolution today rescinds the 1991 resolution to abandon the property. Commissioner Brown moved to approve the resolution. Commissioner Holbrook seconded it and the motion was unanimously approved. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There was brief discussion about the 2009 WASHTO Conference. The Commissioners were asked to contact the Commission Secretary if they were interested in attending.
Bryan Cawley from FHWA mentioned possible rescissions that could take place over the next six months. He also talked about activities occurring on the next transportation bill, which expires at the end of September.
There were no reports at this time.
The next regular Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The upcoming schedule for Commission tours and meetings was discussed. The Commission said they were OK with the recommended dates and locations that were previously sent to them for review. The following dates and locations were scheduled:
May 20-21, 2009 - RivertonJune 17-18, 2009 - PaysonJuly 21-22, 2009 - SyracuseAugust 18-19, 2009 - Saratoga SpringsSeptember 16-17, 2009 - EphraimOctober 14-15, 2009 - RiverdaleNovember 18-19, 2009 - Green RiverDecember 10, 2009 - Salt Lake CityApril 22-23, 2009 – Salt Lake City
The meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance: J. Stuart Adams, Chairman Stephen M. Bodily, Vice-Chairman Glen E. Brown, Commissioner Bevan K. Wilson, Commissioner Jerry B. Lewis, Commissioner Meghan Z. Holbrook, Commissioner LeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission Secretary John R. Njord, Executive Director Carlos M. Braceras, Deputy Director Linda Hull, Legislative and Gov’t Affairs Director Chuck Larsen, Comptroller Jim McMinimee, Project Development Director Adan Carrillo, Community Relations Ahmad Jaber, Director of Systems Planning and Prog Bob Pelly, Systems Planning and Programming Lyle McMillan, Director of Right of Way Dian McGuire, Right of Way Cory Pope, Region One Director Daren Fristrup, Region One Randy Park, Region Two Director Nathan Lee, Region Four Director Jim McConnell, Cedar District Engineer Rick Torgerson, Region Four Robert Dowell, Region Four Kim Manwill, Region Four Tamerha Maxwell, Region Four Dal Hawks, I-15 Core Project Manager Bryan Cawley, FHWA Speaker David Clark, Utah House of Representatives Larry Bulloch, City of St. George Dave Demas, City of St. George Mayor Rick Parsons, Big Water Mayor Gerald R. Sherratt, Cedar City Dana A. Truman, Enterprise City Council Ed Holm, Hildale City Council Mayor Thomas Hirschi, Hurricane City Pam Humphries, Hurricane City Council John Bramall, Hurricane City Council Clark Fawcett, Hurricane City Jerry Blair, City of Ivins Daniel Hulet, Kane County Commission Mayor Dan McGuire, Town of Rockville Mayor Terrill Clove, Washington City Mike Shaw, Washington City Alan Gardner, Washington County Commission Ron Whitehead, Washington County Sherry Ruesch, Dixie State College Darrell Cook, MAG Doug Hattery, WFRC Lowell Elmer, Dixie MPO Brent Jensen, HDR H.G. Kunzler, HW Lochner Andrea Clayton, HW Lochner Bob Hermondson, B&G Rich Thorne, AGC Amy McAbee Cummings, PB Americas Mike Worrall, JUB Engineers, Inc. Randy Cowdin, Southern Utah Title Wendell Hathaway, Meridian Dan Nelson, Civil Science Jim Horrocks, Horrocks Engineers Lee Cabell, Horrocks Engineers Greg Davis, URS Corp Andy Powell, URS Corp James Olschewski, Bush & Gudgell Annette Rust, Granite Construction Jeff Harris, HNTB Brandon Loomis, Salt Lake Tribune
