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.
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.
Cottonwood Heights Council District 4: Birrell vs. Kim – Safety First in the Shadow of the Wasatch
Council District 4 candidates Ellen Birrell and Ernie Kim present a united front against overreach from state projects while championing local livability. Both strongly oppose UDOT’s proposed 8-mile gondola, viewing it as an unnecessary taxpayer burden that fails to address real traffic woes. Their visions for Wasatch Boulevard emphasize transforming it from a high-speed commuter route into a safe, scenic gateway to the canyons, with calls for traffic calming, protected paths, and 35 MPH limits over lane expansions.
What Will an LCC Gondola Really Cost? A Critique of the Life Cycle Cost Calculations Behind UDOT’s Gondola B Decision
A new Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) conducted by engineering researchers at Brigham Young University examined UDOT’s calculations, assumptions, and methodology for ascertaining the costs and risks associated with various transportation solutions in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Important Lawsuits Update
Forward progress on solving LCC congestion via incremental common sense solutions are on hold by UDOT as the legal process to stop the gondola proceeds.
Donor Match Program Will Help Fund Lawsuits
In light of the gondola lawsuits, your support is is more vital than ever.
