Utah Leaders Spotlight Transit’s Role in Economic Growth as Surface Transportation Deadline Nears

Steps from the Utah Transit Authority’s South Jordan FrontRunner station—one of the fastest-growing commuter rail hubs in the Salt Lake City region—business and transportation leaders delivered a clear message: a strong, reliable transit network is essential to sustaining economic growth, mobility, and long-term competitiveness. Ward McCarragher, APTA vice president, government affairs & advocacy, was in attendance.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently convened an event with FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro, Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), state transportation officials, and local business leaders to highlight how investments in public transportation directly support workforce access, tourism, and regional development.

The gathering, part of the Chamber’s regional infrastructure tour and its Keep America Moving initiative, comes at a pivotal moment. Federal surface transportation funding is set to expire later this year, putting renewed urgency on the need for predictable, long-term investment.

At a press conference held at the FrontRunner station, Utah leaders emphasized the commuter rail system’s impact on the region and the importance of continued federal partnership to expand capacity and meet growing demand.

Rep. Owens underscored the stakes for both Utah and the nation. “Reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth, public safety, and opportunity in Utah and across the country,” he said, noting that upcoming efforts to reauthorize surface transportation programs must prioritize predictable funding, smart investments, and streamlined processes so projects can move forward efficiently.

Administrator Molinaro reinforced the broader economic value of public transit. “Public transit is not just about moving people. It’s about moving the economy,” he said. “Tools like the FrontRunner project drive housing, retail, and growth.” He added that FTA remains focused on delivering projects that are on-time, on-budget, and guided by strong local collaboration.

Following the press conference, the U.S. Chamber and South Valley Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a roundtable with business leaders who echoed the call for long-term certainty in federal funding. Participants highlighted transportation’s role in workforce mobility and tourism—particularly as Utah looks ahead to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics.

John Drake, the Chamber’s vice president of transportation, infrastructure, and supply chain policy, stressed that the business community is aligned around the need for long-term solutions. “The business community is aligned on the need to provide long-term certainty and permitting reforms to build the infrastructure that the American economy and communities depend on,” he said.

As Congress turns toward the next surface transportation reauthorization, Utah’s FrontRunner served as a timely reminder: public transit is not simply a local amenity, it is a national economic driver. Continued investment will be critical to keeping communities connected, supply chains strong, and the U.S. competitive for decades to come.