The Arches Hotspot Regional Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. and an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. to hear comments from residents about specific projects the committee is considering for possible Recreational Hotspot funding from the Utah Transportation Commission. Committee members will present information about three potential projects, which may be submitted to the Utah Transportation Committee in consideration for Utah Recreational Hotspot funding.
The Oct. 7 meeting will be held electronically. Residents who wish to provide input at the meeting may do so by joining the meeting electronically by Zoom or by phone. Written comments may also be submitted.
To join by Zoom video: http://bit.ly/HotspotProjectsPublicComments
To join by phone: 669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 867 7784 5576
Password: 535126
To submit written comments: https://forms.gle/32Dj26Nn38iL5PcX8
The Oct. 14 meeting will be an in-person open house at the Moonstone Gallery located adjacent to Moab City Hall, 217 E. Center Street. At this meeting, displays and information will be available for public consideration and committee members will be on-hand to answer questions and take input.
Background
If approved by the Utah Transportation Commission, project funding would be allocated from the 2017 money set aside by the Utah Legislature for projects in communities significantly impacted by recreation and tourism. The funding was intended by the Legislature to address three aims: reducing congestion, supporting economic development, and increasing tourism and recreation opportunities.
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 ranked through a system set up by the Utah Department of Transportation. Ultimately, the local committee in 2018 applied for and received $10 million in funding to build a parking structure on Center Street where the existing city parking lot is located, and to create dispersed parking options.
After some councilmembers and members of the public raised concerns about the parking structure plan in late 2019 and early 2020, the 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.
Current proposals
The Coordinating Committee has identified several potential projects that may be submitted to the Utah Transportation Commission for possible funding. Those projects include: Off-Main Street parking in various locations between 200 North and 100 South; a multi-use pathway connecting Moab and Spanish Valley; and a public shuttle/transit pilot program.
Off-Main Street Parking
Goals
- Create additional on-street parking in the downtown core.
- Create appealing and functional streetscapes that strengthen community life, expand business opportunities, and mitigate traffic congestion on and around the central Main Street area.
- Use a "complete street" 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.
- Includes angled and median parking to provide additional parking and other valued streetscape features.
Shared-use Path Connecting Moab to Spanish Valley
Goals
- A multi-use path along Spanish Valley Drive, serving pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists.
- Connection from Mill Creek Drive to the Grand County line.
- Possible further extension into San Juan County along the La Sal Loop Road.
- Connection to existing paths and trails in the Moab area.
The Transit/Shuttle System
Goals
- Maximize the ability of Grand County citizens to reach any businesses as a customer or employee without having to drive during peak seasons.
- Enable visitors staying at hotels and campgrounds to access the businesses in the county without clogging the streets with additional vehicles.
- Reduce noise and pollution.
- Reduce distracted/intoxicated driving.
- Serve all existing residential areas that benefit lower-income families and individuals.
- Expand the access to town for low-income development in the Spanish Valley, by enabling those without reliable transportation to reach businesses in town from more affordable areas out of the city center.
- While Main Street/U.S.-191 is the primary focus, the committee is looking at other potential routes throughout Grand County.
A survey seeking public input about these potential projects will be released later this week. Details about the survey will be available on the City’s website at moabcity.org/Hotspot and on the City’s Facebook page, facebook.com/cityofmoab.