SOUTH JORDAN, UT — Steps from a FrontRunner commuter rail station south of Salt Lake City, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event with Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro, Representative Burgess Owens, state transportation officials, and local business leaders to discuss the importance of a strong, reliable transportation network for economic growth.
The event, part of the Chamber’s regional infrastructure tour and Keep America Moving initiative, helped build momentum for federal surface transportation funding, which expires later this year. The group held a press conference at the South Jordan FrontRunner station, giving Utah leaders an opportunity to highlight the significant impact of the commuter train in the region and the need for continued investment to expand its capacity.
Following the press conference, the U.S. and South Valley Chambers of Commerce co-hosted a roundtable discussion with local business leaders where attendees underscored the need for predictable, long-term federal funding to continue to improve their region’s infrastructure. They highlighted the role transportation infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth and workforce mobility in Utah, and its importance to the region for tourism, including the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics.
“Reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth, public safety, and opportunity in Utah and across the country, including improvements to the FrontRunner rail system,” said Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04). “As my colleagues and I work to advance legislation to reauthorize essential surface transportation programs, I’m committed to ensuring those efforts focus on predictable funding, smart investments, and cutting red tape so projects can move forward efficiently. I appreciate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for convening this important discussion and thank FTA Administrator Molinaro for his leadership and partnership as we work to strengthen America’s transportation network and enhance our economic competitiveness.”
“Public transit is not just about moving people. It’s about moving the economy,” said FTA Administrator Marcus Molinaro. “Tools like the FrontRunner project drive housing, retail, and growth. The decisions we make reap benefits for people. We’re focused on driving on-time, on-budget projects with local and community leaders.”
“The Chamber is convening leaders across the country to build momentum for surface transportation reauthorization,” said John Drake, Vice President of Transportation, Infrastructure and Supply Chain Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The business community is aligned on the need to provide long-term certainty and permitting reforms to build the infrastructure that the American economy and communities depend on. We thank Rep. Owens and FTA Administrator Molinaro for their leadership and partnership as we work toward a strong, long-term reauthorization that keeps America competitive, strengthens supply chains, and delivers results for businesses, workers, and communities.”
The FrontRunner commuter rail, which serves communities across north-Utah and reported more than 4.1 million riders in 2025, is an example of how transit investments improve mobility, reduce congestion, and connect workers to opportunities, but like many projects, it needs further investment to maximize potential.
As part of the Keep America Moving initiative, the Chamber is hosting events in Congressional districts and is continuing its engagement with policymakers in Washington and around the country to build support for surface transportation reauthorization, which is set to expire September 30, 2026.
