UDOT recreational hotspot funding for moab area 

Recreational hotspot conceptual project ideas for the moab area 

In 2017, the Utah Legislature allocated $100 million for projects to be prioritized by the Utah Transportation Commission that have a significant economic development impact associated with recreation and tourism and alleviate congestion. A Moab/Grand County community stakeholders committee identified 11 possible projects that might be eligible for state Hotspot funding in this area. Those projects were then ranked through a detailed "Decision Lens" system set up by the Utah Department of Transportation. 

Three criteria were established for a project to be eligible for funding from the state: 

  • Reduce traffic congestion; 
  • Support economic development; 
  • Increase recreation and tourism opportunities. 

Ultimately, the local committee in 2017 applied for funding to build a parking structure on Center Street where the existing city parking lot is located, and also requested some funding for dispersed parking options. In 2018, the Utah Transportation Commission awarded a total of $10 million to the Moab area for those projects.

The Moab City Council voted in March 2020 to suspend plans for the parking structure and explore other options for the Arches Hotspot funding. The Arches Hotspot Region Coordinating Committee -- consisting of City Council, Grand County Council, and citizen representation -- was formed to explore alternative projects. This committee has identified several projects based on the 11 conceptual projects identified by the 2017 stakeholders group. 

The committee will be asking for community input and ideas as committee members begin to develop alternative projects. 

Arches Hotspot Dispersed Parking, Shuttle/Transit and Shared-Use Path Survey

(Survey conducted Oct. 1 - Oct. 18, 2020)

About this survey
The Arches Hotspot Coordinating Committee, consisting of Grand County, the City of Moab, a community representative, and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), has identified three separate projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow in Moab's downtown core. 

In 2018, $10 million was awarded to the Arches National Park/Moab area by the Utah Transportation Commission through a “Recreation Hotspot” grant. The objectives of the funding have to meet three criteria for a project to be eligible for funding from the state: it must reduce traffic congestion, support economic development, and increase recreation and tourism opportunities. A parking structure was originally planned, but in 2020, the Moab City Council decided to explore other alternatives that could meet the funding goals. The Arches Hotspot Committee was created to identify possible projects to be submitted for funding consideration. The Hotspot Committee has identified the following three project concepts and is asking the community for feedback.

The Concepts

Dispersed Parking -- Downtown Core and Emma Blvd. Area
The dispersed parking project would use a "complete streets" approach to redesign downtown side streets in ways that encourage greater pedestrian and bicycle activity while also supporting the emerging needs of businesses, transit, and traditional motor vehicles. Dispersed parking along and adjacent to Emma Blvd. north of town is also under consideration.

Streetscapes that include angled, parallel, and median parking are identified as being particularly suited for providing additional parking and other valued streetscape features in the downtown core. Parking in the Emma Blvd. area will include parking lots and parallel parking.

Shared-Use Path Connecting Moab to Spanish Valley 
This project features a multi-use path running parallel to Spanish Valley Drive for its entire length, from its intersection with Mill Creek Drive to the County line, with the possibility of further extension into San Juan County along the La Sal Loop Road. The path would tie into the many existing paths and trails in the Moab area, creating a continuous network for both transportation and recreation.

The primary path design will be a “sidepath,” a physically separated pathway with room for travel in both directions. A paved path for cyclists and pedestrians on one side of the road will be paired with a dirt equestrian path on the other side (beginning at Old Spanish Trail Arena and heading south).

Shuttle/Transit Pilot Program
UDOT has engaged consultants to come up with the details, costs, and benefits for a 3- to 4-year pilot shuttle system that would test the demand and viability of long-term transit for our community. 

If selected, capital infrastructure for this work will be funded by UDOT as part of the state's Hotspot funding program. 

View the Complete 3- Project Survey Results


August-September Parking Survey

Arches Hotspot Off-Main Street Parking Survey Results

(Survey conducted Aug. 14 through Sept. 2, 2020)

Hotspot Off-Main Parking Survey Cover image-for web

About this survey

The Arches Hotspot Coordinating Committee is exploring concepts to create additional on-street parking in the downtown core. The purpose is to create appealing and functional streetscapes that strengthen community life, expand business opportunities, and mitigate traffic congestion on and around the central Main Street area. 

The Hotspot Committee is also exploring several other projects, including a shared-use path connecting Spanish Valley to existing paths in Moab and possibly San Juan County and the La Sal Loop Road, and the potential for a limited transit system. A new survey will be available soon as more details are available for those potential projects.

The current effort is focused on downtown parking. Over recent weeks, an Arches Hotspot Subcommittee has been studying examples of streets in other cities that have been transformed to better balance the competing needs of all road users. Through this "complete street" approach, the goal is to redesign downtown side streets in ways that encourage greater pedestrian and bicycle activity while also supporting the emerging needs of businesses, transit, and traditional motor vehicles.

Streetscapes that include angled and perpendicular parking and median parking are currently under primary consideration. These concepts have been initially assessed as particularly suited for providing additional parking and other valued streetscape features.

If selected, capital infrastructure for this work will be funded by UDOT as part of the state's Hotspot funding program. 

In August, the Arches Hotspot Regional Coordinating Committee solicited community input on these parking concepts to help inform the committee's recommendations moving forward. 

View the Complete Survey Results




Hotspot Committee Members 

                                                               Stakeholder Group

Curtis Wells (Chair)                                   Grand County
Mike Duncan                                              City of Moab
Kalen Jones                                               City of Moab
Karen Guzman-Newton                             City of Moab
Evan Clapper                                             Grand County
Jaylyn Hawks                                             Grand County
Wes Shannon                               Downtown Main Street Alliance

Submit Comments to the Hotspot Committee

Feedback button2-for web

Please Complete Our Second Survey

This Arches Hotspot project covers all three concepts that have now been identified for potential Hotspot funding: Dispersed parking; a shared-use path connecting Spanish Valley to Moab; and a shuttle/transit pilot program. We appreciate your feedback.

The survey will be open through October 16, 2020.

Arches Hotspot 3-Project Survey


Participate In Hotspot Public Meetings Oct. 7 and Oct. 14

The Arches Hotspot Coordinating Committee will hold public meetings at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 (electronically by Zoom) and Oct. 14 (in-person open house at Moonstone Gallery next to City Hall) to get feedback from the community on three potential projects—dispersed parking, a multi-use trail connecting Spanish Valley to Moab, and a pilot program for a public shuttle/transit system. 
The Committee is hoping for as much public input as possible so please participate in one of these meetings!
Here’s how to join the Oct. 7 meeting by Zoom or telephone:
Join by phone: 669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 867 7784 5576 
Password: 535126

PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY THE HOTSPOT COORDINATING COMMITTEE 
(October 2020)

  1. Dispersed Parking
  2. Main Street Shuttle 
  3. Shared Use Path

This Project Would Include

  • Off-Main Street Parking
  • Emma Blvd. Parking
  • Possible Urban Design Components

Criteria Used in 2017 to Identify Potential Projects

Project Goals Graphic