Utah's Fast-Growing Population Projected to Hit 5.5 Million by 2060, Forcing State Leaders to Plan Ahead for Housing, Transit and Infrastructure
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Utah's population has grown rapidly, and is projected to add another 2 million residents over the next 4 decades. This will create challenges around housing, transportation, and infrastructure.
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Leaders look to the past for lessons on handling growth and investing in infrastructure, like the pioneer grid system still in use today. Planning ahead is key.
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Major investments were made as Utah grew into a mid-sized state, including projects tied to the 2002 Olympics. Leaders learned lessons about planning, costs of delaying projects, and more.
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With population projected to hit 5.5 million by 2060, more housing diversity, transit, and innovative solutions will be needed to maintain quality of life.
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Funding transportation improvements will be a hurdle going forward as gas tax revenues decline. Alternatives like road user fees for electric vehicles are being explored.