Government, business representatives push need for transportation funding

Rep. Burgess Owens spoke at a ceremony in South Jordan focused on continued federal funding for transportation. (Photo courtesy Utah Transit Authority) 

Federal government and business officials gathered recently in South Jordan to highlight the need to “Keep America Moving.” 

The officials stressed the need for continued federal funding for surface transportation, which is set to expire this fall. Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the gathering took place near a FrontRunner commuter rail station and included Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro; U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah; state transportation officials and local business leaders.

A strong, reliable transportation network, they said, is necessary for economic growth.

“Public transit is not just about moving people. It’s about moving the economy,” Molinaro said. “Tools like the FrontRunner project drive housing, retail and growth. The decisions we make reap benefits for people. We’re focused on driving on-time, on-budget projects with local and community leaders.”

During a news conference showcasing the U.S. Chamber’s “Keep America Moving” initiative, FrontRunner’s impact in the region and the need for continued investment to expand its capacity was at the forefront. Officials cited FrontRunner as an example of how transit investments improve mobility, reduce congestion, and connect workers to opportunities, but also underscored that it and other projects need further investment to maximize their potential. FrontRunner carried more than 4.1 million riders in 2025.

Other activities included the U.S. and South Valley chambers of commerce co-hosting a roundtable discussion with local business leaders in which attendees underscored the need for predictable, long-term federal funding to continue to improve their region’s infrastructure. They highlighted the role transportation infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth and workforce mobility in Utah, and its importance to the region for tourism, including the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics.

“The [U.S.] Chamber is convening leaders across the country to build momentum for surface transportation reauthorization,” said John Drake, vice president of transportation, infrastructure and supply chain policy at the U.S. Chamber. “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.

“We thank Rep. Owens and FTA Administrator Molinaro for their leadership and partnership as we work toward a strong, long-term reauthorization that keeps America competitive; strengthens supply chains; and delivers results for businesses, workers and communities.”

“Reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth, public safety and opportunity in Utah and across the country, including improvements to the FrontRunner rail system,” Owens said. “As my colleagues and I work to advance legislation to reauthorize essential surface transportation programs, I’m committed to ensuring those efforts focus on predictable funding, smart investments, and cutting red tape so projects can move forward efficiently.

“I appreciate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for convening this important discussion and thank FTA Administrator Molinaro for his leadership and partnership as we work to strengthen America’s transportation network and enhance our economic competitiveness.”

The South Jordan event was one of several in the chamber’s “Keep America Moving” tour as the organization continues engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and around the country to build support for surface transportation reauthorization, which is set to expire Sept. 30.