The Rio Grande restoration plan gains traction

SALT LAKE CITY – A plan to restore the 114-year old Rio Grande Station to its former glory, and beyond, is making progress thanks to a citizen engineer group Via Rio Grande.

Under their vision, the landmark would become a transit hub for heavy rail, with over 75 acres of the surrounding developed. The plan was first introduced in 2020 and has since gained attention from local and civic leaders.

The group met with the Salt Lake County Council about their restoration plan. Now, Via Rio Grande is taking the next steps.

Rio Grande restoration support and price

“We’ve got expressions of support from every single member of the Salt Lake City Council,” said Via Rio Grande volunteer Nathan Strain. “Since this project lies in Salt Lake City, getting formal support from the city itself and the mayor is our next critical step.”

Last year, the city did an engineering analysis of the project. From this, they estimated the project carries a price tag of $3 to 5 billion.

“Funding isn’t completely decided on,” Strain said. “There would definitely need to be some sort of involvement with federal funding…. It is worth noting this project would have a payoff to taxpayers.”

Additionally, he said the economic benefits of other projects, like freeways, are vaguely defined. Rio Grande is much more sure, because the project redevelops the surrounding downtown and connects the whole state.

“The social and financial benefit from that is quantifiable and real.” Strain said. For now, the decision of development in downtown lies more with the city.

Either way, Strain said the same engineering analysis estimates the project would take five years to build.

Supporting future visions

Strain is hoping the Rio Grande plan will signal Utah’s commitment to the future of rail in the United States.

He’s disappointed Utah missed out on funding to discuss rail plans between Las Vegas and Boise. However, The Brightline West project connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas is still making progress.

“We want to show the federal government Utah is willing to invest in [state rail networks] … and we really need to demonstrate we’re willing to invest.”

Via Rio Grande is hosting an outreach event to reach the public, especially west side residents. That’s happening on Sept. 12 at the Sorenson Unity Center.

“We want supporters. We want critics. We want to hear everybody and what they have to think about this.”

Related reading: 

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• Would you take a new rail line from SLC to Las Vegas, Boise or LA?