The Salt Lake City council voted in favor of a new rail hub at their meeting Monday night. It's a significant vote that will have far-reaching implications.

News Specialist John Daley has details.

Past Story Freight Hub Controversy July 25, 2002 Links Union Pacific Railroad UTA SLC Planning Division SLC Transportation Advisory Board Salt Lake City Council

Last night's vote represents a major step forward for commuter rail, which can now move ahead.

But west side residents are making it clear--though they support commuter rail, they want the city and Union Pacific to do something about rail traffic along 900 South.

The railroad wants the hub to unload railroad freight onto trucks. The question before the city council is, should this currently empty spot near 4800 West and 7th South be the place for it?

UTA needs city approval to go forward with a 185-million dollar deal with Union Pacific.

UTA would acquire land and right of ways for several extensions of the existing light rail system, and to run commuter trains from Brigham City to Payson.

The deal allows UTA to move commuters on the rails and allows Union Pacific to run its freight business.

But what seems like a win-win situation is clearly much more complicated for residents of the west side, already saddled with more than their fair share of rail and truck traffic. They say it's...

Janette Gonzales/Glendale Community Council: "RUINING OUR COMMUNITY. THAT'S LITERALLY WHAT IT'S DONE. IT'S SET OUR COMMUNITY BACK A DECADE."

Opposition is strong in nearby neighborhoods, filled with 'railroad mistrust' after the 9th South line re-opened. City officials say the hub is separate.

And last night the council approved it, over the vocal objections of the railroad's neighbors.

But they passed a motion that no future rail terminal be located within five miles of an existing terminal. Council members pleaded with Union Pacific to solve the 9th South mess. And they hailed the future of rail transit.

Jill Remington/City Council Member: "AND WHEN COMMUTER RAIL IS FINALLY COMPLETE, WE'LL HAVE CLEANER AIR, A MORE EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, AND HOPEFULLY FEWER CARS ON OUR ROADS."

John Inglish/UTA General Manager: "IN THE BIG PICTURE IT MEANS WE HAVE CORRIDORS NOW, RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH, AND EAST AND WEST ALONG THE WASATCH FRONT THAT WOULD BE THE ENVY OF ANY MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREA IN THE UNITED STATES."

You clearly get the sense that frustration is building over this rail issue. West side residents want some relief and the administration and city council appear to be listening.

So the pressure is really mounting for Union Pacific to do something about it.

July 29, 2002