Congressman Burgess Owens joined Rick Bertel, CEO – Rio Grande Pacific Corporation and Kyle Robe, President of TRAX Engineering and Associates for a tour and briefing on a proposed rehabilitation project of the Tintic Branch Industrial line located in Utah.
Congressman Owens represents Utah’s Fourth Congressional District which encompasses southern Utah County and the communities of Payson, Santaquin, Goshen and Elberta. This region is home to the Tintic Branch alignment. The congressman wanted to better understand the process of determining project viability for a rehabilitation project like the Tintic Branch Industrial Line as he serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Projects like the rehabilitation of the Tintic Branch are essential to rural Utah economies as job creators and vital to our State’s economic future” said Congressman Owens.
He went on to say, “Utah leads the Nation in economic growth, for good reason. We choose to invest in infrastructure, technology, and future job growth. Especially when investments typically result in creating good jobs for hardworking Utahns.” He noted the importance of projects like the proposed rehabilitation of the Tintic Branch as a good opportunity for rural Utah. “I look forward to hearing more about this project and how my office can be a supportive partner.”
Joining the congressman for the tour and subsequent proposed project briefing were several members of the Utah Legislature including Senators Derrin Owens and David Hinkins, State Representatives Steve Lund and Doug Welton, Utah County Commissioner Tom Sakievich the mayors and city managers of Santaquin and Payson, and mayors of Genola and Goshen, Mountainland Association of Governments and Bob Bach – President Rio Grande Pacific.
Santaquin and Payson hosted the project tour kickoff, safety briefing and subsequent project briefing at their respective city offices. TRAX Engineering and Associates President, Kyle Robe briefed those in attendance on particulars of the project timeline, the type of preliminary analysis needed to determine the next steps for permitting, conceptual design and funding of the proposed project. The analysis process will conclude in summer of 2024.
For additional information on this post contact Pamela Juliano, Government Affairs Director – Rio Grande Pacific Corporation. Pjuliano@rgpc.com
