Utah's transportation problems worsen by the week. With Utah's population growing at a rate of three times the national average, and vehicle miles traveled increasing at twice that rate, a strong investment in transportation is needed.
The 2009 priority of Utahns for Safe and Efficient Transportation (USET) is to support transportation investment as a means to strengthen the Utah economy today and in the future. To keep our economy strong, USET seeks to restore the $3.9 billion and 30 projects that were put on hold last fall, including, but not limited to, the reconstruction of I-15 in Utah County and the construction of the Mountain View Corridor. In the 2009 legislative session, USET supports user fees to pay for vital transportation projects, such as Governor Huntsman's proposal for higher motor vehicle registration fees, a sensible fuel tax increase that grows over time and maintaining the existing earmark of sales tax to transportation.
Some of our partners will also be encouraging our elected state leaders to take bold action on economic improvement and job creation in several areas. An investment in transportation is more than an investment in our roads. It is an investment in our economy. Every $1 billion invested in highway construction supports over 27,000 jobs, and every $1 billion invested multiplies to $2.5 billion of economic activity within our state. As you can see, it is one of the best investments we can make, even in difficult times.
We are all aware of the economic challenges we face. But we also know that building a solid foundation today will lead to early and sustained economic recovery tomorrow.
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