The Federal Railroad Administration announced on Friday that it did not select a Utah grant application to explore the project of a train connecting Salt Lake City to Boise and Las Vegas. The decision has disappointed Utahns who were hoping for improved rail services in the state.
Gov. Spencer Cox, however, remains optimistic about the possibility of a rail line traversing the Beehive State in the future. During an online town hall, he expressed his interest in high-speed rail and mentioned the potential for extending the existing FrontRunner commuter train to St. George.
The Utah Department of Transportation had applied for a $500,000 grant to explore the Boise-to-Las Vegas rail service, with potential service to St. George also outlined in the proposal. Despite the lack of federal funding, Cox emphasized the state’s commitment to exploring and evaluating the project.
Historically, the U.S. has been slow to adopt high-speed rail, with limited enthusiasm among lawmakers and transportation officials. However, Cox remains hopeful for the future of rail service in Utah, stating that the state believes it can successfully implement high-speed rail.
The decision by the Federal Railroad Administration to not fund the exploration of the proposed rail service is a setback. However, the commitment of Utah’s officials and transportation authorities to continue looking into the project signals their determination to potentially bring improved rail services to the state in the future.
