In response to UDOT’s announcement regarding Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson issued the following statement:
“Today’s UDOT’s decision is not surprising, and the inclusion of the gondola is disappointing. However, thanks to pressure from residents and our county’s advocacy, UDOT has committed to making sure Common-Sense Solutions in this initial phase are successful. That’s great news because it means the gondola is not inevitable.
I continue to stand with the majority of residents who are opposed to a massive gondola permanently marring Little Cottonwood Canyon. We believe Common-Sense Solutions can solve the problem. I will continue to work collaboratively with UDOT and stakeholders to make sure Common-Sense Solutions prove we do not need a costly and unsightly gondola in our cherished canyon.”
Mayor Wilson has been advocating for Common-Sense Solutions instead of a gondola since [YEAR]. She has collaborated with UDOT throughout the process and is glad that they have committed to ensuring Phase 1 succeeds, which includes many of the Common-Sense Solutions proposed by Mayor Wilson.
Mayor Wilson’s Common-Sense Solutions Include:
- Investment in the Enhanced Bus Alternative with electric buses
- Mobility hubs
- Tolling infrastructure plus other travel demand management strategies, including vehicle occupancy restrictions, resort parking reservations, and enhanced smartphone app technologies
- Multi-passenger vehicle incentives such as micro-transit, carpooling, and rideshare programs
- Increased enforcement of UDOT’s Traction Law, together with expanded hours of traction device inspection operations
- Potential increased canyon roadside parking fees. Supplemented with increased parking violation enforcement
What does phase 1 include?
- Improved and increased bus service – with buses running every 10-15 minutes
- No canyon widening
- Bus resort stops
- Mobility hub at the gravel pit
- Tolling
- Winter roadside parking restrictions