Bill > HB0523

This bill establishes the Rio Grande Financial Advisory Authority, a working group dedicated to advancing the Rio Grande Plan, a citizen-created proposal to restore rail service to the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City and eliminate at-grade rail crossings. The working group will consist of 10 members, including representatives from the Utah Legislature, Salt Lake City, the Utah Olympic Committee, Utah Transit Authority, Department of Transportation, Wasatch Front Regional Council, Utah League of Cities and Towns, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, and six community councils. Chaired by the Wasatch Front Regional Council's executive director, the group will meet bi-monthly from May 2025 to May 2026 to identify potential funding sources (including federal and state funds), study project implementation and potential impacts, and make recommendations to various entities. The working group is required to consult with railroad companies, report to the Transportation Interim Committee by July 2026, and provide recommendations to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and Salt Lake City. Members will not receive compensation but may receive per diem and travel expenses. The bill includes a provision to repeal the Rio Grande Financial Advisory Authority on August 1, 2026, and will take effect on May 7, 2025.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0523.html