Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Northern Utah
SLC hopes a federal grant will help mend an east-west transportation divide
Salt Lake City’s government will apply for a federal grant to study infrastructure solutions to key transportation issues facing east-westside connections in the city. There are limited bus routes and a lack of pedestrian and bike-friendly lanes. Jon Larsen, with the city’s transportation department, said this would give them a chance to explore solutions to what’s known as the ‘divide,' but it could take up to 20 years. Melanie Pehrson-Noyce, who’s on the Poplar Grove community council, said a lot of industrial workers — who rely on public transportation — face even bigger issues like long delays. The grant would allow them to study these possible solutions for up to 3-years. Read the full story. — Ivana Martinez
Salmonella found at International Marketplace in Midvale
Salmonella was found in ground beef products at the International Marketplace in Midvale by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food during a routine check on March 22. It ordered the market to stop selling the products on March 31. Based on subsequent lab results, the UDAF said all ground beef sold at that market between March 22 and 31 could have been contaminated. The UDAF urges customers not to eat any beef purchased there during that period, and officials are currently testing other products from the marketplace. — Leah Treidler
Hearing on Park City resort ski lift upgrades delayed
A public hearing on Park City Mountain Resort’s proposal for new lifts scheduled for Tuesday has been delayed. KPCW reported the resort wants to upgrade two ski lifts to ease congestion on the slopes, but the resort requested the delay when it learned Park City was unlikely to approve its plan. According to the city, that’s because the resort missed the deadline to submit additional parking-related information. The resort’s COO said they need more time to submit it. — Alexander Cramer, KPCW
State
Sen. Mike McKell pushes for more teen treatment industry regulations
State Sen. Mike McKell said Utah needs more tools to improve its oversight of the teen treatment industry. The Republican from Spanish Fork sponsored legislation in 2021 that enacted the first changes in over a decade. It increased reporting requirements and the number of annual inspections for youth treatment facilities, among other rules. The data showed regulators are finding more violations than ever before. McKell said that means it’s working, and he hopes to discuss whether more regulations are needed in an upcoming legislative interim session. — Elaine Clark & Jessica Miller
This story is part of Sent Away, an investigative reporting partnership between KUER, The Salt Lake Tribune and APM Reports. Listen to Episode 7 now.
Region/Nation
Forest Service allocates over $131 million to reduce western wildfire risk
The U.S. Forest Service will spend more than $131 million to help reduce the risk of wildfire across the West. The new money comes from the bipartisan infrastructure law. Officials introduced the mitigation plan Monday in the middle of an area burned by Colorado’s Calwood fire in October 2020. Climate change is driving up heat and drought, making wildfires more severe and more frequent, especially in areas near homes. — Alex Hager, KUNC