Can You Smell the Bacon Cooking?

Well the numbers are finally becoming available for the transportation reauthorization bill (SAFETEA-LU) that was passed by Congress in July.  Much has been said about the amazing amount of funding that was being provided, so here's the latest info that I have:

• The FHWA estimates Utah will receive $1.4 billion total in highway funds over the five-year life of the bill.
• There was a total of $263.35 million (30 projects) earmarked in the bill for Utah.
• Earmarks represent 18% of the total funds Utah will receive under SAFETEA-LU (equivalent of one full year of our state transportation improvement program (STIP)).
• Those earmarks are congressional directives for what projects will be built and the money comes right out of our general transportation funding.
• As a result of that earmarking, the STIP is anticipated to be funded at FY02 levels (approx. $189M).  So cuts will need to be made to project priorities due to lower than anticipated funding resulting from the earmarking.

In case you're wondering why we need a state legislature, transportation commission, and department of transportation when we've got Congress directing the projects to be built (do worry, I wonder too) -- it's probably 'cause someone has to mind the homefront and fry up the bacon.