UTA moves a step closer to commuter rail

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) released its final study into the environmental impact of a 44-mile commuter rail line from Salt Lake City to the northern suburb of Pleasant View.

The report will go before the Federal Transit Administration, and if the agency signs off on it, UTA can begin construction.

UTA officials said that UTA could start making minor preparations for the line as soon as late April or early May. Full construction will likely begin later this year, after the federal government agrees on a funding plan.

UTA estimates the line will cost a total of $510 million.