Commission authorizes more EIS funding for Heber Valley Parkway after 700 public comments; construction funding still unresolved

The commission approved additional Transportation Investment Fund money to finish the Heber Valley Parkway environmental review after staff reported the project team received more than 700 public comments on the draft EIS.

Staff said the comment volume prompted the design team to evaluate refinements to alternatives and that the additional funding would allow the team to complete the EIS and present a refined set of alternatives. Commissioners debated the long-running project’s local consensus and whether continued investment in planning was justified given potential cost and community opposition; several commissioners said residents repeatedly opposed routing options while also asking that traffic be taken off Heber Main Street.

Commissioner remarks emphasized the difference between completing an environmental review and committing capital to construction. UDOT staff told the commission that no construction funding has been identified and that the EIS completion will inform future funding and design choices. The commission approved the one-time funding request, with members noting the decision permits a final environmental look but does not obligate future construction appropriations.