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While congressional policies and national elections tend to captivate the news, local and state politics have arguably a larger effect on our day-to-day lives. In fact, our state legislature reviews hundreds of regulations along with directing billions of dollars each year in infrastructure and educational costs, whereas local governments are responsible for the majority of your everyday essential services. This is why during the legislative session from late January to mid-March, it is important for state and local leaders to work together to address critical needs that appropriately address growth and ultimately improve our quality of life.
Luckily, we have been able to build great relationships not only with our state senator and representatives that represent Riverton City, but also with other elected officials and legislators from the southwest Salt Lake County area and beyond.
The collaboration between state and local leaders begins well in advance of the session to outline priorities and needs. For the past few years, I have made it a priority to meet and work closely with other elected officials in the southwest Salt Lake County area, which is now culminating in a Southwest Visioning Plan. The Southwest Mayor's Coalition, which is made up of elected officials from Bluffdale, Copperton, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, and West Jordan, has created a list of shared priorities for our legislative caucus that will benefit our communities. With the record growth our state is experiencing, there is open discussion that the state legislature is interested in bonding for upwards of $2 billion in transportation infrastructure needs this year. Many of our priorities are connected to infrastructure and connectivity projects that will help alleviate congestion in our surrounding communities. Our top priorities include:
- Funding to support the completion of Mountain View Corridor.
- Funding to fully convert Bangerter Highway into a freeway.
- Improving and expanding capacity of 9000 S and 12600 S to improve east west connectivity.
- Improving bus and transit options.
All of these projects will play a role in decreasing congestion, increasing traffic flow and providing viable options for better connectivity throughout Salt Lake County. As the legislative session continues, it is my promise to you that we will continue to work hard with our legislators in putting the interests and needs of Riverton and the southwestern area of Salt Lake County at the forefront and encourage you to reach out and express your support for improved transportation connectivity during this session.