H.R. 3 House Resolution Concerning Ski Season Transportation

Bill Sponsor:

Rep. Eliason, Steve
Floor Sponsor:
  • Drafting Attorney: Kurt P. Gasser
  • Fiscal Analyst: Kimberly D. Madsen
  • Bill Tracking
  • Information
    • Last Action: 3 Mar 2023, House/ filed
    • Last Location: House file for bills not passed

H.R. 3

1     
HOUSE RESOLUTION CONCERNING SKI SEASON

2     
TRANSPORTATION

3     
2023 GENERAL SESSION

4     
STATE OF UTAH

5     
Chief Sponsor: Steve Eliason

6     

7     LONG TITLE
8     General Description:
9          This resolution calls on the Utah Transit Authority to take immediate action to address
10     the driver shortage that has severely impacted ski season transportation.
11     Highlighted Provisions:
12          This resolution:
13          ▸     highlights the importance of Utah's ski industry;
14          ▸     recognizes the challenges of ski transportation this season; and
15          ▸     urges the Utah Transit Authority to take necessary action to resolve ski traffic,
16     including engaging the private sector.
17     Special Clauses:
18          None
19     

20     Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the state of Utah:
21          WHEREAS, Utah snow is known as The Greatest Snow on Earth;
22          WHEREAS, Utah is home to 15 world-class ski and snowboard resorts that welcome
23     more than 5.8 million visits annually;
24          WHEREAS, Utah's ski industry drove spending to a record $2.35 billion last season
25     and provided more than 20,000 jobs;
26          WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 ski season has been historic, with resorts opening earlier
27     than anticipated and record snowfall across the state;
28          WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority, a special service district responsible for
29     providing public transportation through the Wasatch Front of Utah, provides an integrated
30     system of innovative, accessible, and efficient public transportation services that increase
31     access to opportunities and contribute to a healthy environment for the people of the Wasatch
32     region;
33          WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority announced on September 28, 2022, that it
34     would suspend and reduce operations on several key routes that provide services to Summit
35     County and Salt Lake County area ski resorts;
36          WHEREAS, Utah's ski traffic, long wait times, and limited parking have long been
37     debated and are a source of consternation to skiers and negative environmental impacts to
38     Utah's natural resources;
39          WHEREAS, a Utah Transit Authority driver shortage of more than 80 employees and
40     hiring difficulties have led to a reduction in service, greatly impacting local outdoor
41     enthusiasts, employee transportation, and business for hotels and ski resorts that have resulted
42     in increased congestion in and around high-use canyons;
43          WHEREAS, the Utah Transit Authority has stated its driver shortage and suspended
44     routes will not be resolved in the short-term;
45          WHEREAS, the private sector is a key partner in industry success and can supplement
46     Utah Transit Authority services to ensure continued economic growth of our state;
47          WHEREAS, several public, private, and non-profit organizations have devoted
48     resources including funds, police operations, and staff time to help alleviate traffic congestion
49     and increase public transportation options for locals and visitors;
50          WHEREAS, Salt Lake County successfully engaged in the private sector to transport
51     individuals in the absence of appropriate Utah Transit Authority services; and
52          WHEREAS, contracts with commercial driver license holders could be a vital resource
53     for the Utah Transit Authority and should be explored to alleviate the driver shortage:
54          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
55     state of Utah calls on the Utah Transit Authority to expeditiously rectify the ski transportation
56     situation by taking necessary actions to rectify the current driver shortage and explore the
57     option of entering into a public-private partnership before next season where other entities can
58     rent their buses to transport skiers and avoid gridlock.
59          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is unacceptable to enter into the 2023-2024 ski
60     season with the current, reduced bus service.
Bill Status / Votes
• Senate Actions • House Actions • Fiscal Actions • Other Actions
DateActionLocationVote
2/23/2023 Bill Numbered but not DistributedLegislative Research and General Counsel
2/23/2023 Numbered Bill Publicly DistributedLegislative Research and General Counsel
2/23/2023 LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal inputLegislative Research and General Counsel
2/24/2023 House/ received bill from Legislative ResearchClerk of the House
2/24/2023 House/ 1st reading (Introduced)House Rules Committee
2/24/2023 House/ to standing committeeHouse Transportation Committee
2/27/2023 House Comm - Amendment Recommendation # 1House Transportation Committee10 0 2
2/27/2023 House Comm - Motion to Recommend FailedHouse Transportation Committee5 5 2
2/27/2023 LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsorHouse Transportation Committee
2/28/2023 LFA/ fiscal note publicly availableHouse Transportation Committee
2/28/2023 House/ received fiscal note from Fiscal AnalystHouse Transportation Committee
2/28/2023 House Comm - Returned to RulesHouse Transportation Committee
3/1/2023 House/ comm rpt/ sent to Rules/ amendedHouse Rules Committee
3/3/2023 House/ strike enacting clauseClerk of the House
3/3/2023 House/ filedHouse file for bills not passed
Committee Hearings/Floor Debate