Motorists traveling through Davis County frequently compare their experience to sand passing through an hour glass. Not only does their passageway narrow considerably in the middle, but it can take them up to an hour to make it through the resulting back-up. Traffic delays are as frequent for Davis drivers as they are frustrating. They also impede emergency response time, deteriorate air quality, and decrease the flow of business. As a result, the Davis Chamber of Commerce is taking a highly public and pro-active approach to promoting and funding real traffic solutions throughout the county.

A recent survey of Davis Chamber members revealed that transportation ranked second only to economic development as an issue of concern among local business owners. The Chamber's Board of Directors responded by approving the formation of a partnership between the Davis Chamber and the Ogden/Weber and the Brigham City Area Chambers to actively promote and fund transportation alternatives throughout the area.

The resulting Northern Utah Business Alliance will work in tandem to inform Northern Utahns about transportation needs and alternatives and to campaign for approval of a proposed sales tax increase to fund multiple transportation improvements.

The specific projects to receive funding will be determined by the local Councils of Government following public input. They will include both mass transit and road construction initiatives. The primary goals of the group are to have a transportation funding initiative on the ballot this November and to push for its approval.

The Chamber's Legislative Affairs Committee has also publicly endorsed the Davis County Commission's plan for a $10 vehicle registration fee to preserve corridors of property toady along future transportation routes.

"The Chamber does not take tax and fee increases lightly, but our members recognize that a reasonable investment today will avoid years of delay and additional hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation costs in the future," said Chamber President John Pitt.

"The key responsibility of the Chamber is to create and sustain a healthy business environment in Davis County and the impact of transportation on the local economy cannot be understated."

In addition to its participation in the Northern Utah Transportation Alliance, the Chamber has implemented a Transportation Committee to focus on long-term transportation issues and to utilize experts from the business community to propose and advocate transportation alternatives.

West Point City Council member Gary Peterson serves as Chair of the Committee.

"Our goal as a Chamber is to be a leading force in keeping business and traffic flowing smoothly in Davis County," said Peterson.