“Improved bus service and infrastructure over the next two years”: Our View on UDOT’s Recent Announcement
Many are elated over UDOT’s recent about-face decision to begin Phase 1 congestion improvements in Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC) after claiming, for nearly two years, that lawsuits prohibited this very action. We understand the excitement. And while we appreciate UDOT’s long history of providing Utah residents an expansive transportation system, our concerns are not primarily about what UDOT announced—it’s about what UDOT’s announcement omits.
Fourth Myth of UDOT: “We’ll Try Buses First, Gondola Only if Needed”
Gondola B is UDOT’s selected long-term alternative, with buses and sheds as stepping stones, NOT as a test that can cancel the gondola. You’ve probably heard some version of this promise from UDOT, politicians and other stakeholders regarding the proposed Gondola B solution for Little Cottonwood Canyon: “We’ll start with more frequent buses and avalanche sheds. We’ll only build the gondola if those don’t work.” But that’s not what UDOT actually decided.
First Myth of UDOT: “The Gondola Will Fix LCC”
UDOT’s Gondola math adds up to spending $1.4 Billion for basically no traffic relief.
UDOT has been clear from the beginning: for every alternative in Little Cottonwood Canyon—including buses, trains, and the gondola—their goal is to shift about 30% of people from cars to transit.
When you dig into the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Executive Summary and the Record of Decision, UDOT’s own design modeling actually shows a 31.8% reduction in vehicles in their best-case scenario.
Giving Tuesday 2025 – Support Our Communications Efforts in 2026
This Giving Tuesday and through the end of the year, we ask that you support us going into the 2026 election cycle and ski season by donating any amount to support our communications needs. Givebutter will match your gift 1% and will charge no platform fees. Donate via: https://givebutter.com/FofLCCGivingTuesday
Public Notice Regarding Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon Tax Status
Public Notice: Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon (FoLCC) is a tax-exempt organization supporting the preservation of this valuable resource while responsibly addressing the transportation needs of Utahns and visitors who enjoy the natural beauty of our Wasatch Front and, in particular, Little Cottonwood Canyon. As a 501(c)(4)—not a 501(c)(3) as erroneously reported—it can endorse candidates for political office and has done so in both the Sandy and Cottonwood Heights municipal elections, candidates whose positions are closely aligned with FoLCC.
Some individual members of FoLCC have made contributions to various political campaigns as is their right as private citizens participating in the political process, but as an organization, FoLCC has not made financial contributions to any campaign or candidate.
Opinion: Tariffs, inflation and bad math — why the gondola is a fiscal disaster
In an opinion piece by Mike Marker, President of Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon—which has tracked UDOT’s Record of Decision costs and calculations for years—the Utah Department of Transportation’s proposed gondola for Little Cottonwood Canyon faces serious scrutiny over its financial viability.
Sandy City Mayor Candidate Gondola Survey Responses
The proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola has emerged as a key issue in Sandy’s 2025 mayoral race. Both candidates, incumbent Monica Zoltanski and challenger Cyndi Sharkey, were invited to share their positions through the Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon survey. Their responses reveal two very different approaches to how Sandy should engage on this billion-dollar infrastructure project.
Cottonwood Heights Mayoral Race 2025 – Candidates Weigh In on Gondola, Growth, Safety
As Cottonwood Heights approaches the November 4, 2025, election, we surveyed mayoral candidates Mike Weichers and Gay Lynn Bennion on critical topics: UDOT’s gondola proposal, Wasatch Boulevard’s future, and the city’s top challenges. Their responses show shared priorities with distinct approaches.
Shared Opposition, Different Reasons: Sandy City Council District 3 Candidates Williams and Nicholl on the Gondola Debate
The debate over the proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola continues to shape Sandy’s local elections. In the Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon survey, candidates Iva Williams and Kris Nicholl both voiced opposition to the billion-dollar project, though each emphasized different reasons and priorities.
Cottonwood Heights District 3 Race: Prazen and Newell United Against Gondola, Differ on City Priorities
In Cottonwood Heights’ Council District 3 race, both candidates — Randy Prazen and Shawn Newell — stand firmly against UDOT’s proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola. While united in their opposition to the costly project, their priorities for the city and approaches to future challenges highlight different perspectives.
