Date received Name Representing Comment Additional comment April 28, 2020 Brad Tanner I support the the expansion of the Provo Trail beyond Vivian Park. April 28, 2020 Austin Taylor Transportation Commission Members

I am emailing to voice my support for the expansion of the Provo River Trail at $6.1 million.

These trying times have shown us how important trails are to the mental and physical health of our communities. The Murdock Canal Trail in Utah County has seen an increase of 80% in ridership compared to this time last year because people need outdoor activity to stay healthy. This expansion will give people an opportunity to explore more of nature and improve their physical and mental health.

It may also benefit the economies of the Provo and Heber City areas as people ride bikes between the two areas to shop, dine, and recreate. I do this with my wife on bike tours through Provo Canyon but we are crazy and willing to take a risk riding on the highway.

Lastly, this project will enhance safety for cyclists on the route. People are currently biking on the debris-filled shoulders of a 55mph highway with 17,000 trips per day. While some road cyclists choose to take the risks, the vast majority of people who bike avoid it. Expanding the river trail would make riding in this area safer and expand this opportunity to more people.

-- Austin Taylor April 28, 2020 Doug Smith Wasatch To Whom It May Concern, County Planning I am writing this e-mail in support of the funding for the Provo Canyon Trail from Vivian Park to the Deer Creek Dam. This trail is supported by the County trails master plan and I am sure that the growing number of residents in both valleys would utilize the new trail heavily.

Thanks you for your consideration of funding for this important segment of trial that will connect the Heber Valley with the many trail options in Utah County.

Sincerely,

Doug Smith Wasatch County Planning Department Heber, Utah April 28, 2020 Hayden Andersen My name is Hayden Andersen, a graduating senior in Civil Engineering at BYU. I believe that the expansion of the Provo River Trial will benefit all users, making it more accessible to everyone in the are. I support this project. April 28, 2020 Beth Liechty I am emailing my support of funding and expanding/finishing the Provo River Trail. I am an avid cyclist who consistently rides from Cedar Hills to Provo Canyon and up the trail as far as I can go and would LOVE to have the option of safely biking farther up the canyon. I have also biked the same route and extended it up through the Alpine Loop, and being able to ride from the end of the current trail to the Sundance exit safely would be amazing! This is such a popular trail to both ride and run, and to have the option of going farther would be a benefit to so many residents. I fully support and encourage the funding of finishing this project for the physical and mental well being of so many Utahns and visitors!

-- Beth Liechty, B.S., CHES Brigham Young University Academic Advisor Department of Public Health Provo, UT April 28, 2020 Adam Carmack Hi,

I'm a Provo resident, and I would like to express my support for funding the final segment of the Provo river trail.

My wife and I walk our dog on the river trail multiple times a week, and have loved the improvements that have been made already in other portions of the trail.

I personally believe that the river trail is a unique and great addition to Provo and hope that we maintain and utilize it to its fullest potential.

Thank you, Adam R. Carmack April 28, 2020 Vanessa Stanfill Hello! My name is Vanessa Stanfill and I am an Orem resident. I would like to MOST enthusiastically encourage you to approve funding for the last portion of the Provo River Trail!

We are an active family of 7 and we use the trail system almost every day most of the year. My husband commutes to work on bike 9 months of the year, partially on the Provo River Trail. I use the trail system for recreation and exercise nearly year round. My 13-year-old just bought a road bike and has been riding portions of the Murdock and Provo River Trails almost every day this spring. My four other children ride the trails with their mom and dad too. We love the bike trails!

I rode my bike up the highway in Provo Canyon this past week, and it is, frankly, terrifying. The traffic speed is too fast for me to feel safe sharing the road, and the shoulder is full of debris. Please, please approve this extension of the trail. I promise that my husband and I, and our whole family full of future little cyclists, will use it for a generation to come!

I've noticed that the trail usage this year has grown by leaps and bounds - I've heard the Murdock trail is up 80% this past two months! These trails are a huge blessing to our community by promoting outdoor recreation, physical and mental health, and improving the standard of living for all of us.

Thank you! Vanessa Stanfill Orem, UT April 28, 2020 David and Cherie Schetselaar I would love to get this trail extended to the lake! Widen American Fork Likewise....i would love to get American Fork Canyon road widened...even if its just a couple feet Canyon on either side...it is so dangerous for bikers right now April 28, 2020 Stephanie Latour To Whom It May Concern:

I'd like to voice my support for the project to extend the Provo River Trail up to Deer Creek. The trail is a huge recreational draw for people in the community and I think that further extending it would only increase the popularity of the area. The trail provides a safe, easily accessible outdoor area where people can exercise and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. These are the kinds of community projects we should be funding as a society.

Stephanie Latour April 28, 2020 Daniel Jensen Hi, I'm a local resident (Provo) and frequently use the Provo River Trail from Utah Lake to Vivian Park. This trail addition will: -Add more needed miles to an already highly-used and highly-prized trail system. -Increase access and visibility to the Provo River in a section where people often float the river. I frequently kayak that section of river and come across individuals needing medical attention. The section can feel remote. The trail would allow those unable to safely complete the float to exit the river and walk safely downriver. -Connect Heber Valley to Utah's most robust trail system (Provo River and Murdoch Canal/Jordan River) and connect cyclists (mountain bikes)/long distance runners from Utah Valley to Heber Valley via the trail on the west side of the reservoir. -Be an awesome trail! This is the kind of golden opportunity to help Utah Valley continue to be a better and better place to live! Thanks commissioners!

Daniel Jensen Provo Resident April 28, 2020 Mary Wade Hi, I am emailing to register my support for allocating $6.1 million to complete the trail gap to connect Provo & Heber. This would be a pivotal project to connect the two counties, reduce cars on the road, improve safety, and improve recreational opportunities.

I am a resident of Provo, and I have family up in Heber who we frequently visit. On many occasions, we have decided to go for walks on the Provo River Trail together, but because it ends in Vivian Park, we always have to drive, find a parking space, and then take our walk. If the trail were completed, we would not have to depend on cars and the high-demand parking spaces to enjoy the outdoor recreation that Provo Canyon offers.

It would also improve safety for people on bikes who are already attempting to close the gap by riding along the highway, a risky move that only the most confident cyclists attempt. I ride an electric cargo bike with my children, and I would never feel comfortable riding on the shoulder along such high speeds. But I would certainly bike the length of a safe trail to Heber!

Finally, for improving recreational opportunities, even before this pandemic, the Provo River Trail was in such high demand that it had become difficult to navigate. It is clear that we need to increase opportunities to meet the demand, both to boost our physical and mental health.

I hope this funding is allocated to help maximize the connection, safety, and recreation the Provo Canyon has to offer!

Thank you, Mary Wade April 28, 2020 Christina Bartholomew I'm writing to support wholeheartedly the extension of the river trail through Provo Canyon. This trail is used often by my family and we would love to have it go from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam.

Thanks, Christina Bartholomew April 28, 2020 Troy James I've heard that a recommendation was made to fund expansion of the Provo River Parkway Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam. I would really like to see this project funded and see the trail completed! I use the current trail and so do many of my neighbors for bike rides and accessing the canyon trail systems. We need more cycling infrastructure to encourage this as a means of recreation and transportation.

Thanks!! April 28, 2020 Mandy Parsons To the committee:

I would like to encourage the committee to fund the building of the final segment of the Provo River Train which was recommended by the State Transportation Commission.

There are many reasons why this final segment of the river trail is important for our community. Safety should be a top priority, and without a designated trail, bikers and other non-driving citizens are in danger. The speed limits up the canyon are 55mph and there are 17,000 cars commuting through it everyday. Currently, the only place for a biker to be is on a debris filled shoulder. We can do so much better for our recreation areas!

Additionally, these trails dramatically improve the physical and mental health of the community. Due to the recommendation of the COVID19 task force, many people are going outside to enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and UV light. As such, the trails are seeing a dramatic increase in use. By extending the river trail, we will see a increase in recreation to our canyon. This can have major benefits economically for tourism and recreation businesses.

Please consider funding this plan. April 28, 2020 Jared Stevens Hi --

I heard that a new segment of the Provo River Trail is under consideration by the state that would connect the current trail to the Deer Creek dam (and other trails in that area).

I live at the mouth of Provo Canyon and use the existing trail quite a bit. I feel like extending it would be worth the resources and would improve the trail systems in Orem/Provo and Heber Midway areas considerably while creating a safe route between Midway and Provo for runners/cyclists.

I see lots of people on the Provo trail on weekends and believe that the newer segment would be used heavily.

I just wanted to let you know -- I feel like this is a fantastic proposal.

Jared April 28, 2020 AJ Ludlow To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to express my support for funding the completion of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Dear Creek Reservoir. A trail like this would be incredibly valuable to the community in providing safe recreation. Trails like this have the potential improve mental health and quality of life in our community and will be a draw for tourism.

I don’t feel safe cycling on the highway up the canyon but would enjoy doing so on a trail and I feel that many thousands of others in our community feel the same.

This trail would be a asset in our community for generations to come. For years I have dreamed of this trail being completed and I’m hopeful that the commission will seriously consider this matter.

Thank you!

AJ Ludlow April 28, 2020 Spencer Sanberg Dear Transportation Committee,

I'm a student at BYU and I wanted to share my support for the proposed extension to the Provo River Trail. My favorite part of living in Utah is the system of trails and I would absolutely love to see the Provo River Trail extend farther up the canyon.

I lived in Lindon during my high school years and used the Murdock Canal Trail nearly every day for jogging, roller blading, or walks with my family. I also regularly jogged to the Provo River Trail along University Avenue. Now at BYU, I regularly use that trail and also use the trails in Springville and Mapleton. However, of all these trails, my favorite by far is the Provo Canyon section of the River Trail. I don't know how else to express it other than by saying it would be a dream come true for me if that trail was extended so I could experience more of that beautiful canyon.

I hope you will seriously consider this expansion and the great benefit it would be for community members in both Utah Valley and Wasatch County.

Thank you for all you do, -- Spencer Sandberg Brigham Young University Social Work April 28, 2020 Braydn Tanner I love using the Provo River Trail. I use it at least weekly, even more in the warmer months. I would love an extension on it. Please pass the proposition! Braydn Tanner April 28, 2020 Ryan Barrett Hi, I just wanted to voice my support of the extension of the Provo River Trail. I use the trail frequently and believe that by making it longer, we can spread the users out and create a safer trail network. As a cyclist, I would certainly enjoy avoiding riding on the highway as well. Happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks, Ryan Barrett April 28, 2020 Mark Zimbelman I am emailing to encourage you to approve funding for the completion of the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek Reservoir. This was be an excellent investment that would benefit our community and save lives. Currently, riding to the reservoir is dangerous (I’ve done it several times) given the 55mph road and thousands of cars per day with debris-filled shoulders. This would allow cyclists to have more recreation and tourism opportunities between the Provo and Heber City areas. These trails increase the physical and mental health of our communities, Murdock Canal is currently seeing an 80% increase in use compared to this time last year.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

MZ Mark Zimbelman Provo UT

April 28, 2020 Brian Weidmer Hello!

I support funding and building this trail to make the passage safer for users. This is a very large public need!

Brian Weidmer Lieutenant Herriman Police Department April 28, 2020 Christian Zimbelman I would like to express my support for funding the completion of the Provo river trail to connect Provo and Heber City.

Having personally gone for rides up Provo canyon past south fork canyon where the trail ends and having to ride my bike on the busy road with fast-moving traffic and dangerous shoulders I would definitely use and appreciate a safer option for my bike rides. This is separate from the added benefits of potential recreation and tourism opportunities between Provo and Heber, and the added mental and physical health benefits to our community of having an increased and improved trail system available to the public.

Thank you,

Christian Zimbelman April 28, 2020 Matt Ward Just wanted to voice my opinion and say yes please please please extend the Provo River Trail towards the deer creek damn!

It’s already a beautiful system and I’m so grateful for it, but to be able to get into the Heber Valley safely as a cyclist and runner would mean so much to me!! -- MATT WARD | Marketing Director, Momentum Climbing April 28, 2020 Karen Zimbelman To whom it may concern,

Finishing the trail between Vivian Park and Deer Creek is an awesome idea. The trail is loved and well used and would enable more people to use it on longer rides. I am all for keeping cyclists off the road on this stretch of Highway. Right now it’s unavoidable to get to certain destinations and it’s scary because of the cars as well as the debris on the shoulders. Just the the wind and dust kicked up from passing motorists is hard to deal with. Please finish this stretch!

Karen Zimbelman Wife, mother, grandmother, longtime Provo resident and avid cyclist April 28, 2020 Stephanie West I just read today that it has been recommended to the State Transportation Commission to fund the final segment of the Provo River Trail (Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam Trailhead). I can't tell you how excited this makes me to think that the Provo River Trail might be extended. Trails like this in Utah County are some of the most used "parks". Utah is a state whose residents highly value outdoor recreation and the Provo River Trail is no exception. Our family loves walking, running and biking on the trail and we use it year round. We would LOVE to see it extended!

Thank you, Stephanie West April 28, 2020 Danny Cardoza Dear Utah Transportation Commission,

The Provo River Trail is an active transportation and active tourism/recreation gem. I have many fond memories cycling and running along the trail. I proposed to my wife on the trail. I love Provo Canyon.

I also love cycling up and down Provo Canyon to Heber and beyond, and by far the most treacherous portions of this ride are along the proposed final section of the trail to Deer Creek Reservoir. The proposed project would be a fantastic edition that would make cycling farther along the canyon safer and make it a more desirable tourist location, especially with the developments in the portion of the canyon the proposed project would reach.

Further, it would make routes for marathon and cycling events more interesting and tenable. There are business and charity opportunities to be had here.

Given that the proposed project also takes the environment into consideration is also very important to those of us in Utah County who love the beauty of the natural environment in Provo Canyon so much—also given the ecological importance of the Provo River in the broader Utah Lake aquatic ecosystem (I’m thinking specifically of protecting endangered wildlife like the June Sucker). I believe UDOT and the UDT have the capacity and ability to move forward with funding responsible projects that can still increase active tourism and recreation in Provo Canyon.

As a lifelong Utah County resident, I cannot help but endorse the project to expand the Provo River Trail in the utmost terms. I know my family supports it as well and will encourage them and others to contact you voicing their support. This is fantastic use of taxpayer money. I hope to hear more soon about how the project is advancing!

Hope this finds you well in these strange times.

Best wishes, Danny Cardoza April 28, 2020 Kathryn Mechling Hello, Would love to see the final segment of the Provo River Trail finished. We love biking to Vivian Park, it would be awesome to be able to go all the way up! We are in our 60's and love biking on paved trails! We feel safe on paved trails and would love to see more trails around the lake too! thanks, Kathryn Mechling Orem, Utah April 28, 2020 Aaron Skabelund Dear State Transportation Commission,

I write to urge you to fund the extension of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to the Deer Creek Reservoir. This is a tremendously valuable project and worthy of the full funding request.

As you can see from this post I wrote back in 2016, the bicycling/active transportation community has been looking forward to the completion of this project for a long time. Back in 2016, we thought it would be complete by now. We don't want to wait much longer.

Trails are the most valuable recreation park space. Even more than regular parks, they encourage movement and exercise, which is invaluable for a quality of life and public health. Trails are also our most popular and most heavily used park space. Several years back when Provo City Parks conducted a study of its parks, it found that the Provo River Trail got far more use than any other park in the city.

Trails are also important for active transportation. You might think this particular trail would not be used for utilitarian transportation purposes but it will, though of course not as much as our urban trails like the Murdoch Canal Trail and Provo River Trail within city limits. I am aware of a UDOT Region Three engineer who lives in Heber, works in Orem, and drives to Vivian Park and then bikes the rest of the way to and from work. He and others may use this extension to make their entire commute an active one rather than a passive, far less sustainable and healthy one.

Please fund this project for $6.1 million and let's get it done.

Many thanks,

Aaron Skabelund Chair, Rivergrove Neighborhood Member, BikeWalk Provo April 28, 2020 Rick West Hello, I heard that there is a proposal to fund an expansion/completion of the Provo River Trail up to Deer Creek Dam. I support this 100% and encourage you to fund this project! Research has shown that trails are the most prized and used recreational spaces in our communities, and the Provo River Trail is truly the gem of Provo. One of the main reasons I enjoy living in Provo is to take advantage of our great canyons and trails, and this is a tremendous opportunity to improve and increase this. Please support this project! In addition, I would strongly encourage efforts to create additional off-the-street bikeways throughout Provo that could be independent or tie into the Provo River Trail. This could decrease traffic congestion, decrease pollution, increase health, and make biking a more realistic affordable transportation option for people who are currently too nervous to bike on our streets.

Thank you! April 28, 2020 Rebecca Nielsen I think it [Provo River Trail] would be great for the communities. My husband is an avid walker and I know he would enjoy this  April 28, 2020 Jarom Pueblo I am in favor of the proposed final segment of the Provo River Trail connecting Vivian Park, to Deer Creek State Park.

Jarom Pueblo April 28, 2020 Vickie Hacking I am in full support of the final segment of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam. Our family uses this trail often, and having more of it would be amazing!

Sure hope this passes!

Thanks, Vickie Hacking OREM April 28, 2020 Rem Wiscombe Sirs, I ride a bicycle to Vivian quite often. It would be wonderful to go farther up the canyon on a trail as now it feels pretty unsafe on the highway. I do go up the South Fork some, but not as often as I used to. I also have been up to Sundance and beyond a few times. Those are both climbs that can be difficult as I get older. It would be great to just keep going up the canyon for a bit more. Please add on to the trail. Thanks, Rem Wiscombe April 28, 2020 Carmelle Kelemen Utah State Transportation Commission,

I am in support of the proposed bikewalk trail being extended from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Reservoir.

Carmelle Kelemen Provo Resident Former Wasatch County Resident April 28, 2020 Kaytlin Ellsworth Hello,

I'm writing you today to ask that you please choose to fund the final segment of the Provo River Trail.

This project is one that will benefit a wide variety of your community. It will make recreation in the beautiful canyon more accessible to people of all ages, races, and class. This makes your decision far reaching because it doesn't single anyone out, in fact, it supports inclusion and community.

Not only that but it will be a unique and incredible centerpiece that visitors to our state can enjoy and we can take pride in. Whenever I travel out of state I'm always looking up the best paths and places to bike and run. The Murdock Canal Trail has been a wonderful option and to have it connect to the Provo River Trail and extend fully, will make it one of the best out there.

This final segment will bring opportunities for people on either side of our mountain range to recreate and connect in a safe and worry free way. With the rise of distracted drivers and the on- going threat of individuals driving under the influence, this is the perfect opportunity to show your community that you care about their safety, livelihood, and mental well-being in a thoughtful, meaningful, and lasting way.

The PRT has personally given me an outlet where I can feel safe enough to get back out on my bike and cope through difficult times. I've watched it give people I love dearly the same. For some of us, that bike ride or that run or that walk, are what is keeping us going and it is more appreciated than you may ever know.

For all of these reasons and more, I urge you to approve the funding for the final segment of the Provo River Trail.

Thank you for your time and consideration, Kaytlin Ellsworth Midvale, UT (and yes, I come down to Utah county just to enjoy these magnificent trails) April 28, 2020 Jared Gilyard Would highly encourage this project [Provo River Trail] to go forward. Have lived here for six years and have always wondered why this does not connect through.

Would open loads of transportation and recreational routes for trail users. Thanks

-- Jared Gilyard April 28, 2020 Lance Nelson I am emailing in support of the Provo river trail connection to the deer creek dam. I have been advocating this project to everyone I can think of for years now. My wife and I are avid cyclist and see many of our friends cycle up and down Provo canyon almost daily. Many I have talked to find it frustrating that we have to put our lives in danger just to get to the wasatch back on a bike. It is impossible to ride from Vivian park to heber without extreme danger to a cyclist. Connecting this section would be a huge step in allowing cyclist to commute between the two valleys. I live in heber and work in Provo. If this trail was connected I would be able to commute by bike multiple times a week and am sure many others would take advantage as well. In addition, many people travel to destinations similar to Provo canyon simply because of the trail system it provides. I’m sure this would happen here. Please take my name and phone number as someone willing to help this project happen.

Thank you. Lance Nelson April 29, 2020 Kenneth McAlister Good Morning from Orem!

I understand the commission is evaluating the allocation of funding to extend the Provo River Trail up to the Heber Dam, an addition of about 4.5 miles to the trail. I want to throw my vote in strong support of this funding. I’m sure the commission knows how much the trail is used and it has been extremely busy of late because of the pandemic. An extension would be a wonderful addition and make access to the Dam area much easier for cyclists, runners, and walkers.

As for me, I am an avid cycling user of the trail using it at least 4 to 6x per week during the months where there isn’t snow. I will frequently ride to Vivian park and on to either Trefoil ranch (easy) or get on 189 for a couple of miles to get on the Alpine loop (difficult), which is a very frequent journey for serious cyclists in the area. Riding that section of 189 back and forth between Vivian is a heart pounding, hair raising experience for a cyclist and having trail access to the point would be exceptional, easing the safety concerns of riding on 189. There is already trail access to Timpanogos Highway (a mile from the toll booth) on the Northern Alpine Loop end point from the Murdoch Canal extension and this would make the loop very easy to access from the south end. I’m sure you can access Strava data to show how extensively the loop is ridden and how many cyclists make the journey each day.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have or help in any way to support of this project. Please feel free to reach out to me at this email or at the phone below.

Thank you in advance for listening and I hope to see a positive outcome.

Best Regards, Ken McAlister Orem April 29, 2020 Asley Gonzalez To Whom It May Concern,

I am sending this email to show support for expanding the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek. My family, friends and I use this trail very often and love it. Data shows that more trail systems equal a healthier community! Expanding this trail would provide more space for the active members of our community. It would also decrease the number of runners and bikers that I see on the highway between Vivian and Deer Creek. I am all for this expansion project!!!

Ashley Gonzalez April 29, 2020 Marilyn Boucher Dear Transportation Commission,

I am writing highly IN FAVOR of the Provo River Trail being extended to Deer Creek! My family is up that canyon several times a week enjoying nature, the Bike Skills Park, hikes, Sundance, and especially the existing Provo River Trail.

We need it to be expanded. Trails increase the physical and mental health of our communities. It is a natural addition to continue such a well used and beloved trail up to the creek to increase outdoor family abilities. Provo river trail, Stewart Falls, Bridal Veil and so many other hikes and walks are well used and loved. Utah outdoor life is a perfect fit for trail expansion.

We ride our bikes at lease once a week up that canyon and past Vivian it is a scary death trap. Unsafe current conditions, 55mph road, 17,000 cars per day, debris-filled shoulders. It would be wonderful to take my kids on a safe, paved trail. We also rent rafts from BYU Outdoor rec to go down the river and having a paved trail would increase tourism and enjoyment for so many more in this area between the Provo and Heber City areas.

Please show support for this trail because it increase quality of life for our citizens.

Marilyn Boucher Founder Mt Mamas April 29, 2020 Marcia Reinhart Good morning, I hope you will extend the Provo River trail to the lake. I am a 73 year old avid bicycle rider. My current training route is up Provo Canyon to Vivian, then up South Fork to the Girl Scout Camp. As traffic increases on South fork, I am concerned for my safety. The proposed extension would provide a great ride and keep me safe. Bicycle riding has kept me fit - I can out ride many people 20 years younger than I. Please continue to keep bicycle riding safe in Provo and Orem Marcia Reinhart Orem UT April 29, 2020 Katherine Gore I am highly in favor of expanding the Provo bike/walk trail from Vivian park to Deer Creek. As a Provo resident, this is a trail I frequent and would love a safe extension.

Katherine Gore Provo April 29, 2020 Michi Nelson I support the idea of connecting bike pass from Vivian Park to Deer Creek. Request more I also want to have more bike pass in Springville. bike paths in Thanks Springville

Michi Nelson April 29, 2020 Ashley Farrell Hello,

I’m writing to share my feedback regarding the proposal to fund the missing trail segment in Provo Canyon (details attached.) ATTACHMENT: UDOT ONE-PAGE PROJECT OVERVIEW FOR PROVO CANYON PARKWAY TRAIL GAP

I am IN FAVOR of this funding. As can be seen on the attached, only a small piece of trail is missing in order to connect all existing nearby trails in the area.

Utah is widely known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, and providing the funding to complete this missing segment will open up opportunities for long-haul rides for world-wide visitors visiting nearby renowned Park City, and our local residents who have chosen to lay down roots and raise their families in these beautiful mountainous regions.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks, Ashley Farrell April 29, 2020 Tommy Anderson Hello Transporation Commission,

I have never written a letter to any form of a governmental entity before, but I would like to write to you about this. Trails provide so much more than a path, they provide physical, mental, and emotional support. I will always be supportive of any new running, walking, or bike path.

I would like to ask you to support the extension of the Provo River trail. This would greatly enhance the possible use of our beautiful canyon in a safe way. I have wanted many times to ride my bike or run to the lake, however, I refuse to ride/run on the road. I know however that there are many who do. This is not safe. Please support this and any other trail project that is presented.

I would also like to further request/suggest that funding be given to complete/connect the Provo river trail connecting to the Jordan River trail along the East and North sides of Utah lake. These connections would provide safe bike transportation for thousands to and from work as well as exercise options.

I spent some time living along the murdock trail and I can attest to the incredible benefits that the trail provided. I now live in a location with no trails within 3 miles. This is a major downfall because I am now running on roads with minimal shoulders and no sidewalks.

I apologize for the long-winded email, but please know that there are many who support this cause.

-- Tommy Anderson [email protected] Request connection to Jordan River trail along East and North sides of Utah Lake April 29, 2020 Justin Fleming I am in favor of the additional 3 miles of trail to connect the finished portions of Provo Canyon, to have the ability and to stay off the highway and ride/walk up and down the canyon would be a huge asset to both communities. Justin Fleming, Realtor Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties

April 29, 2020 Ann Zimmerman I am offering my support to fund this exciting and important link to the trail system. I am a regular user of both the Wasatch County and Utah County segments and it would greatly enhance my cycling, walking, and birding experiences to have the trails joined.

Thank you,

Ann Zimmerman Heber City, UT April 29, 2020 David Wilson Dear Transportation Commission, As a BYU student in the 70's, I found there were very few safe places to bicycle in the Provo/Orem area. Provo Canyon had potential, but the highway was too narrow and dangerous to ride safely. I speculated at the time that wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of route through the canyon to the dam and possible farther to the Heber valley. After a career in Southern Calif., I have retired to Provo and have found that to my delight there is now a beautiful riding and walking trail along the river. I believe the trail is a premier cycling route in beauty and design. I ride the trail four times a week. I'm finding however, that unfortunately it is increasingly becoming impacted with skateboarders, people running unleashed dogs, large E-bikes, stroller groups, joggers, skaters, etc. These various users are all entitled to use the trail, but this kind of high density activity is overtaxing the design limits of the path. I believe that extending the trail to the dam or farther would help spread out the users and make riding the route more enjoyable and safe. Also, widening the current trail, enforcing rules, and making the walking and riding zones more obvious would be very helpful. Sincerely, Dave Wilson Provo April 29, 2020 Jared Browne Good afternoon. I would like to voice my strong support of funding and building the final segment of the Provo River Trail That would run from Vivial Park to Deer Creek Park. I love the Provo River Trail And ride it weekly. I would love to be able to safely ride up to Deer Creek Park. I don’ t feel riding on the road with the heavy traffick and debris on the shoulder is safe. I’ve noticed a huge increase in usage of the Provo River Trail And the Murdock Canal trail this year as people are slloking for safe ways to be outside. This would open up many new safe routes for the public.

Thanks, Jared Browne April 29, 2020 Susan Larsen Please support the current proposal to expand the Provo River Trail. The trail systems have been a huge benefit to our state and the local communities they run through and connect. This expansion will allow cyclists, runners, and walkers of all ages to safely continue their way safely to Deer Creek without fear of the high speed heavy volume traffic on the highway. These trails provide a vital benefit in tourism as well as local physical and mental well-being.

Sincerely,

Susan Larsen-Nelson Pleasant Grove Utah April 29, 2020 Mark Brailsford State Transportation Commission,

I fully support the use of funds for the extension of the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Reservoir. This extension will link the Heber Valley active transportation facilities to the great Utah county trail system. The current path to connect these two areas is by using US- 189 (Provo Canyon) highway. From personal experience of using this highway to connect these two destination by active transportation, if can be scary at times due to the high speed of vehicles, especially at the downhill sections, and the debris-filled shoulders with almost full shoulder width rumble strips.

I have seen the increase in physical health with myself and the community by the construction of the Murdock Canal Trail in Utah County. With the current trail extension projects from Utah into Salt Lake Counties, this is a great opportunity to extend the growing trail network in this part of the state.

I know that this project will optimize mobility, and contribute to zero crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Please vote to approve this project, I have looked forward to this project since my first trip up the Provo River Trail and seeing it end at Vivian Park.

Cheers,

Mark Brailsford April 29, 2020 Cris Williams Bike trails, Request to consider paving Nothing could be more important than increasing safety for cycling in Utah!!!! Keep funding for the rail trail from safe passage along or away from highways. Because cycling will be around forever...... and Park City to perhaps cars won't. Wanship as well No more motor-heads...... we cyclists are the motors! We eat food, not gasoline...... well we do as a paved path get gas, haha. along I-80 from Park City to Salt Also consider paving the rail trail from park City to wanship...... so we don't have to ride I-80. That Lake City would be awesome! And a paved path along I-80 to salt lake City. ...Please? You can do it! I know.

Wait.....how much did you spend for safe animal passage at the top of parleys summit over I- 80??? That massive bridge??? For wild animals..... But not for your fellow man? Think about that for a minute.

Thanks, Cris Williams April 29, 2020 Matthew McKell Would love to see the expansion of the Provo River Trail so it connects with Wasatch County.

Matt McKell April 29, 2020 Matt McNairy To the Utah State Transportation Commission: Support I express my support for the extension of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to the Heber expansion of Dam Trailhead. I live in northeast Orem, blocks from the mouth of Provo Canyon. I use the trail biking and frequently for biking and enjoy the scenery and easy access to the canyon. I think that extending running paths the trail would add greatly to its utility and improve access to areas further up the canyon. I am throughout the also a physician and know that biking and running are excellent activities to promote the health of state the people in our communities. I support this and all other expansion of biking and running paths throughout the state. Sincerely, Matthew McNairy, MD April 29, 2020 Allen Simis I am in favor of funding the completion of the Provo Canyon trail. Allen Simis April 29, 2020 Chris Wilcox Please, build the trail connecting Vivian park to deer creek reservoir! Me and my family live in Midway and would love to be able to ride that trail all the way down the canyon.

Chris Wilcox Firefighter/Paramedic Unified Fire Authority April 29, 2020 Scott House To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of funding the completion of the Provo Canyon Trail from Horseshoe Bend to the Deer Creek Dam, including the Heber Valley Railroad Bridge. Funding this project and completion of this 3-mile segment will allow for over 100 miles of connected trail from Wasatch County to Utah County, and up/down the Wasatch Front. Not only will completion of the Provo Canyon Trail open up numerous recreational opportunities for surrounding communities, it will also act as a non-motorized commuter corridor, build long term community health benefits, and help to increase economic opportunity in Utah and Wasatch County. I urge you to move forward with funding and completion of the Provo Canyon Trail as a community economic driver, positive contributor to community health and incredible community resource for multiple Northern Utah communities. Thank you for time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Scott House

-- Scott House

Communications and Operations Professional

Dad, Avalanche Educator, Ski/MTB Guide, Aspiring Gentlemen Explorer

Cell: 435-655-5009

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotty-house-utah/ April 29, 2020 BriAnn Hoopes Just read about the proposal to extend the Provo canyon trail up to the deer Creek dam. This would be amazing! I have been taking the highway to get up to the gravel trail that goes along deer Creek all the way to soldier hollow. I'm always on high alert, and so stressed during the ride on that main road to get to the trial head by the dam. This project would be wonderful in getting people safely to a few different destinations. We would be thrilled, and we fully support this! Thanks! April 29, 2020 Kristen Wallace We would absolutely love to have Heber linked to the Provo canyon trail!! As a runners and bikers we would put this trail to good use! How can I support this?

Kristen Wallace April 29, 2020 Chris Burkley I am in favor of this 3 mile extension ( Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam )

Chris Burkley

Wasatch County April 30, 2020 Stacey Burton To whom it may concern, I want to voice my support for the completion of the Provo River Trail. This completion means the connection of over 100 miles of trails. I am in full support of this amazing opportunity. Finishing this missing link will be a great step forward. Thanks for your continued work and support of this project. Sincerely, Stacey Burton April 30, 2020 Tamara Potter I would like to comment in favor of the funding and completion of the Provo Canyon Train from Deer Creek Reservoir to Vivian Park. As a resident of Wasatch County, I see the completion of this 3 miles of trail as not only a great recreation addition to Provo Canyon, but also a safety one. I drive up an down the canyon to and from work in Utah County and the number of bikers and even runners on the highway in the canyon has greatly increased over the years. The completion of this trail would give bikers and runners a safe alternative to biking or running on the highway. It will also provide a safe and fun way for families to recreate on the trail. I look forward to the completion of this project and know that many others do to.

Thank you, Tamara Potter Midway, UT April 30, 2020 Jeremy Dance These types of trails are what makes Utah so awesome. I would love for this trail to extend to deer creek and it would benefit many bike riders, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. I saw a post about the potential expansion and got very excited.

- Jeremy Dance Freelance Animator, Jeremy Dance LLC

April 30, 2020 Taylor Madsen Been waiting for this for a long time! As a property owner in both Orem and Midway, and one who spends a lot of time in the outdoors we've been hoping this would happen for a long time now. Not only would it free up some of the congestion that happens between Bridal Veil and Vivian, but it would allow many of my cycling friends to get their long mile rides in without needing to ride along the highway.

Please make this happen, and if additional funding is needed please make it known and I'm sure we can get many volunteered dollars to make this a reality!

-Taylor Madsen April 30, 2020 Bradley K. Johnson The trail from Vivian up to Deer Creek has been needed for years! Please do what needs to be done to facilitate and ensure its completion in a timely and cost effective manner. April 30, 2020 John Crook Dear Transportation Commission,

Please add my name to the list of outdoor enthusiasts that would love to see the Provo Canyon Trail extended to Deer Creek Dam. This initiative will create a valuable addition to the Provo Canyon trail network that already exists and give the residents of Heber Valley access to that amazing network. Thank you for all you do to make our communities such a wonderful place to live and work.

Sincerely, John Crook April 30, 2020 Mike McClellan I have been riding, walking, running the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail for most of my life. I love getting out on it most months of the year. This trail is a need to be completed all the way through Provo Canyon.

Currently the only way to connect cyclists/runners from Utah county with the Heber Valley is along the dangerous highway.

We need to finish the 3 miles of trail that would enable trail users to get to-from these valleys without having to endanger themselves along the highway.

Finalizing this final piece to the puzzle would also continually encourage a healthier community and foster alternative transportation efforts.

Thanks, Mike McClellan Landscape Architect Momentum Development Group South Jordan UT

April 30, 2020 Brynn Hill I am writing to express my interest and support for the completion/construction of a 3-mile segment of the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam. The Provo Canyon Parkway Trail is a wonderful amenity for our community. My family loves the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail. We use it for long runs and bike rides with the kids. It would be wonderful to connect the two segments of trails.

Thank you,

Brynn Hill

Ward | Molloy, P.C. Salt Lake City, Utah April 30, 2020 Preston Hall To whom it may concern,

I live in Heber and have family in Provo. We are avid bikers and often ride our bikes along the back side of Deer Creek and then feel quite vulnerable riding the 3-4 miles of the canyon from the Dam until we can get on the Provo River Parkway trail to make it down into Provo. I feel this addition to the trail would be monumental to connect these trails and keep bikers out of the canyon which can be very dangerous.

Thx,

Preston Hall Heber City, UT April 30, 2020 Sacha Palmer To whom it may concern, I think adding 3 miles from deer creek dam to Vivian Park would be awesome to have as a trail system in wasatch county! I’m an avid walker and my kids love to ride bikes. I think this is a great way to use tax dollars in a way the will benefit the whole community. There aren’t many trails that are easily accessible to everyone and this would be great if we were able connect to the Utah county trail system. Thanks for reading!! Sacha Palmer (wasatch county resident) April 30, 2020 Kristi Phillips I am in favor for funding this trail system from Vivian to deer creek. April 30, 2020 Kim Danley To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my overwhelming support of funding the Provo Canyon Trail to connect Heber Valley and trails in Utah County. Completing this 3 mile segment from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam will accomplish create over 100 miles of trail starting in Wasatch County, continuing down to Utah Valley and up and down the Wasatch Front.

Trails are incredibly important for both Wasatch and Utah counties, not only for the local residents that live there, but also for the tourist economy that visits areas. Investing in open space and trails is important to continuing to have our economy thrive.

Thanks for listening to my comments.

Kim Danley April 30, 2020 Stewart Anderson Dear Utah Transportation Commission,

This is just a quick email to voice my support for the completion of the Provo River Parkway in Provo Canyon. I would be happy to see my tax dollars used to support this.

Best,

Stewart Anderson, PhD Assistant Professor Brigham Young University Department of History April 30, 2020 Christine Frandsen Hello,

I'm writing to voice my support for funding the Provo Canyon Trail. I advocate wholeheartedly for funding the completion/construction of a 3-mile segment from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam.

I'd love to see these dots connected between trails so that we can expand recreation and access. During this pandemic I've observed higher use rates on the trails in and around Provo and I believe that it's a positive outcome of this crisis. I think people will continue to value their local recreation even when we aren't confined to it. Adding more milage to these trails systems, especially when they create an expansive network, is the absolute right move.

I also support this initiative because it will increase recreational in the mountains without adding ongoing pollution or widening the road to do so. This is the perfect way to celebrate and enjoy our mountains.

Thank you for your efforts to make our state a happy and healthy place to live.

Christine

April 30, 2020 Adam Woolsey Hi,

To whom it concerns. I am in support of the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail

Thank you,

Adam Woolsey April 30, 2020 Paul Frandsen Dear Utah Transportation Commission,

I would like to extend my full-hearted support for the proposed extension of the Provo River Trail. As an avid cyclist, this extension would be a most welcome addition to the excellent infrastructure that currently extends to Vivian Park. I know that I am not alone amongst cyclists who ride to Vivian Park and then dread having to join the cars on the highway in order to cycle to other terrain (e.g. Alpine Loop and/or Deer Creek Reservoir). I have had more than one close call with distracted motorists who swerve onto the shoulder at life-threatening speeds.

By connecting the Provo River Trail with Deer Creek, you would be opening up a whole new avenue of both recreation and business travel. As a local taxpayer, I believe this would be a extremely wise use of public funds.

My best,

Paul Frandsen (Provo) April 30, 2020 Aubree McLeod To whom it concerns:

I am emailing in regard to the proposed extension of the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail to connect from Vivian Park to the Deer Creek Dam (https://www.bikeutah.org/blog/2020/4/30/input-needed- provo-canyon-trail? fbclid=IwAR2xofkn7ZnF29MH7jAJoSrXTMu23go62uelDgka0QzxMyAjVXTeaxDWxks).

I am a marathon runner/trail runner, and the extension of this trail would be INCREDIBLE! I have never sent an email like this, but this is such a fantastic idea I have to support it. The Provo Canyon Parkway and the Deer Creek Trail are my most frequented and favorite running trails, and a connection between the two would be an awesome idea, and would cover a very beautiful area of the river. Please consider funding this project!

- Aubree McLeod April 30, 2020 Carri Ward Hello, Would love to see more trails, I am writing to say that I am in favor of the proposed trail going from Vivian Park to the dam at the including a safe Deer Creek reservoir. This would connect the Utah and Wasatch valleys for hikers and bikers. way to bike between It would be nice to connect in a safe way to Utah and Wasatch valleys. Mapleton and Provo I would love to see more trails being built. I live in Mapleton and would love a safe way to bike to and from work in Provo as well.

The proposed trail is a step in the right direction.

Thank you, Carri ward April 30, 2020 Jared Dangerfield Just sending my support to see this trail connection happen. As a member of the Wasatch Adaptive Sports community, we use the Provo river trail for our clients and they would greatly benefit from this connection. Thank you!

Best,

Jared

-- Jared Dangerfield, Program Coordinator Wasatch Adaptive Sports April 30, 2020 Connor McLeod I LOVE this idea [of the Provo River Trail Extension]. Utah is known for recreation. Utah is known for beautiful places. Utah is known for giving people opportunities to experience both of these things. This extension would enable that in a way that other things cannot. This opens up the trail to more races, more people, more events, and better citizens. Connor April 30, 2020 Michael Larkin Hello,

I enthusiastically support the initiative to complete a new trail in Provo Canyon to connect existing trails in Utah and Wasatch Counties. Please consider this support for the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail Gap initiative!

Thank you, Michael Larkin Alpine, UT April 30, 2020 Tomsen Reed Hello,

I just wanted to send an email to voice my support for the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail project - I think it would be a great way to facilitate alternative transportation between Heber City and the Provo area, and would also help increase public safety with cyclists riding through Provo Canyon. I think it's a great idea.

-Tomsen Reed April 30, 2020 Greg Schauerhamer I'm writing to support Provo Canyon Trail being finished such that it connects with the trails at Deer Creek. What an amazing trail system that would be! It's obvious from the popularity of trails (paved and dirt) in neighboring cities that the public really wants these! Thanks.

-- Thanks,

Greg Schauerhamer April 30, 2020 Peter Jorgensen Hello,

I just heard about this plan to connect the Provo canyon trail to deer creek! This is awesome! I hope this happens! Very excited about it.

Wishing you all the best and have a wonderful weekend! Peter April 30, 2020 Beau Burbidge Hello,

I understand a public comment period has just open for a proposed connector in the Provo Canyon Trail. I can’t say enough in support of this proposal. Provo Canyon is a true natural treasure. Unfortunately, it is also home to a major highway that has marginalized bicyclists and pedestrians. This connector will help remedy that and allow access to Provo Canyon and Deer Creek Reservoir for more recreational users. Anyone who saw just how packed Provo Canyon’s trails, roads, and recreational areas in Provo Canyon were last weekend would certainly agree with my sentiment.

Thank you, Beau Burbidge April 30, 2020 Cheryl Bikman Hello!

I’m in favor of funding the additional 3 miles that will take the trail to the dam.

Thanks,

Cheryl Bikman

May 1, 2020 Brandon Hansen I wanted to voice my support of adding the final segment of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek. I think this would be a great project that would get more people outside enjoying the canyon. Right now cyclists have to travel on the highway, which is unsafe, often filled with debris and not suitable for most cyclists.

Please consider this project!!

Thanks

Brandon May 1, 2020 Eric Bowman I just wanted to write in and say how excited I am for this project! I ride the provo bike path and I Replace the ride the path next to deer creek reservoir and I have thought for some time that connecting that Heber Valley short portion would be a huge improvement on our trail systems. Bridge for safety of In addition, I am an experienced whitewater kayaker, and would like to say how dangerous the kayakers and heber valley bridge is, I have personally seen tubers inadvertently broach on and end up going tubers using the under log jambs on that bridge, and so I am surprised more people haven't died there than have. river I sincerely hope you will be able to find the funding to replace that dangerous bridge.

//*********************************************** //Eric Bowman //Bowman Apps //*********************************************** May 1, 2020 Richard Nance Dear UDOT,

I'm writing to support the $6.1m project plan to finish the Provo River bike trail between Vivian Park and the Deer Creek dam. Here are some good reasons to complete the trail:

-Unsafe current conditions, 55mph road, 17,000 cars per day, debris-filled shoulders -This increased access enhances recreation and tourism opportunities between the Provo and Heber City areas -Trails increase the physical and mental health of our communities. For instance, the Murdock Canal is currently seeing an 80% increase in use compared to this time last year. -The lower Provo River trail is constantly busy and congested. Opening up the trail farther up the canyon will decrease some of that congestion. -There is a lot of infrastructure already in place farther up the canyon that can be used to save some costs on the project. -$6.1m seems like a bargain. May 1, 2020 Joel Roop-Eckart Utah Transportation Commission,

I love the trail Provo River trail, and often ride my bike up to Bridal Veil Falls or Vivian Park. However the main road is full of fast moving, heavy traffic, and the should is often full of debris, making any walk or ride on the road dangerous and uncomfortable. Extending the Provo River Trail all the way to the Deer Creek Reservoir would extend the comfortable and safe recreational opportunities of an already wonderful trail.

Best, Joel Roop-Eckart Technical Account Manager Qualtrcs May 1, 2020 Carlee Reber State Transportation Commission,

What would otherwise be an unsafe ride on a busy freeway with debris-filled shoulders could become a pleasant, welcoming, and refreshing excursion. I would never do the prior, and eagerly look forward to the latter.

I use the Provo River Trail once a month at the very least, and the section in the canyon is a special treat. However, I generally go West because the Utah Lake draws me as a refreshing and beautiful location. With this extension, Deer Creek could become that draw.

My husband and I went carless nearly one year ago this month. We were motivated by finances and environmental concerns, but have found the real benefits in our physical and mental health. Anything that fosters biking for our community is a clear win in our eyes. I hope you see this $6.1 million as an investment in the safety, happiness, and well-being of Utah County residents.

Carlee Reber May 1, 2020 Dallin Ball I just saw a news article regarding the potential finishing of the Provo River Trail — and what an absolute beautiful idea. I ride with many people who would love to have this trail extended. It is not safe to ride along the highway that goes through the canyon. This will take cars off the road as more people would be willing to make the journey with biking or even walking. Hopefully you take this into consideration. I look forward to this approval!

Dallin Ball May 2, 2020 Don Taylor I am a huge supporter of spending the funds to complete this section of trail. It would help disperse some of the traffic on the highly used lower section, provide important tourism possibilities and needed revenue to the Heber Railroad and the Heber Valley in general, not to mention allowing access to a beautiful section of the Provo Canyon to trail users like me!!

Thanks for your support of improving the lifestyle of Utah citizens from SLC to Provo to Heber.

Don K. Taylor May 2, 2020 Isaac Hale Hey there,

My name is Isaac, and I wanted to voice my support for extending the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail from Vivian Park to the Deer Creek Dam.

I am an Orem resident, and I bike the entirety of the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail at least twice a week. Biking from my home up the canyon is always a treat, and have more pavement to ride on would only enhance an already wonderful part of our community. The trail is often pretty popular, especially on weekends, and I think the addition would increase enjoyment and also help to spread the crowds a bit more on more heavily-trafficked days.

I understand money is likely tight for you folks – especially amid COVID-19 – but if there were a good recreation project to put some money into, I couldn’t think of a better one than this in the area. (I’ve also attached some photos from a ride on the trail, just for fun).

Thank you for your time and consideration, Isaac Hale May 3, 2020 Jacob Jorgenson Showing my support as a Wasatch County resident for the connection of these trails. I would really like to see this happen as it will provide a much safer route for people who wish to ride bikes, run, or other sports to go up and down Provo Canyon from Heber Valley. Just letting you know I support this.

Jake Jorgenson, CGP

Jorgenson Builders

Heber City UT

May 3, 2020 Parker Howell Hi there,

I want to add my voice to emphasize how worthwhile a project it will be to complete the final segment of the Provo river trail. Expanding this trail will provide benefits to the Provo community that far exceed the $6.1M cost to build.

Thanks, Parker Howell May 3, 2020 Ethan Stokes Hello,

I am a current undergraduate student at BYU and am writing in to support the proposed expansion of the Provo River Trail. Since coming to BYU in 2018 I have ridden the Provo River Trail numerous times and have enjoyed it every time as a nice break from classes, as a way of getting out of the city, and to enjoy the beautiful nature in the canyon and along the river. I think expanding the trail is a wonderful idea, and I was excited to hear about progress being made. I look forward to hearing more about any updates soon.

Thank you, Ethan Stokes May 3, 2020 Karen Murray Our family rides the Provo River Trail often and would love to see it expanded. Please keep us updated.

Karen Murray May 3, 2020 Hannah Howell Hello,

I am writing to express my support of the expansion of the Provo river trail. I am a Provo resident and live just a few blocks from the trail. The trail has been such a great asset for the community, and the recent improvements made to it have drawn so many more people to use it. Expanding the trail also helps express that people and not cars are Utah’s priority.

Thank you,

Hannah Leavitt-Howell May 3, 2020 Anna Robison Dear Transportation Commission,

I’m in support of expanding the provo river trail to dear creek. My kids and I regularly use the river trail to ride our bikes and walk up provo canyon. I even made sure that the home I bought had quick access to the river trail. Being able to ride all the way to Deer Creek from my home would be a dream come true. Please expand the river trail!

Sincerely,

Anna Robison May 3, 2020 Michael Larsen Yes please up to Deer Creek!! May 3, 2020 Cache Hancey To whom it may concern,

Recently I purchased a bicycle from the Provo Bicycle Collective and have taken the opportunity to ride the River trail multiple times. Each time it has been well maintained, well used by families and friends, and very enjoyable.

I believe that extending the trail up to the dam would be a great choice. Not only does it encourage healthy living, it also helps increase the living standards for the area. I hope that the voices of those that regularly utilize the trail reach you.

Thank you for your consideration and time in looking into this matter.

Cache J Hancey Orem City Resident May 3, 2020 Michael Roche I’m just writing to say that I love the Provo river trail. I’ve walked, skated, and biked it at least monthly over the last eight years. I would love to see it extended to Deer Creek.

Sincerely,

Michael Roche May 3, 2020 Wade Hadlock Please extend the Provo River Trail. It will be used extensively. It will extend one of the longest bike trails in the nation as it connects to the Murdoch Trail and Jordan River Trail connecting all the way to Ogden. This is a big deal.

Thank you,

Wade Hadlock Highland, UT May 3, 2020 Mark Baird Please extend the Provo river trail. As a cyclist who frequently rides up and down this portion of the canyon I can tell you the dangers of having to ride a debris filled shoulder with cars and trucks flying by me in close proximity. I love the safety of the trail to Vivian park but hate when I have to get back on the hwy. even friends from out of town ask why the trail stops there. Please vote yes! Thousands will thank you!

Much appreciated

Mark

Mark Baird May 4, 2020 Rob Slater I would LOVE LOVE to see this trail continued past Vivian park to Deer Creek! We have been riding to Walsburg for years as a club and riding on 189 gets very sketchy! May 4, 2020 Hichael Huffaker Dear Transportion Commission:

I love using this trail for walking and cycling. It would be so amazing to extend it so there would be many more miles of connected trail. What an amazing asset that would be to the community. I hope you proceed with this project. It will bless many generations of Utahans and visitors to this area.

Thanks,

Michael Huffaker May 4, 2020 Neil Whitaker As a user if the Provo River Trail, I strongly urge the Commission to upgrade and extend this wonderful public resource for the enjoyment and benefit of thousands of Utahns who walk, jog and ride along this scenic byway each year. The trail currently is deteriorating due to heavy use due to the expanding population. A safety upgrade is needed and lengthening the trail to Deer Creek Reservoir, with additional access points, would alleviate congestion on the lower trail.

Please improve and preserve the Provo River Trail as a unique resource for health and recreation in Utah.

Neil Whitaker MD May 5, 2020 Alex Stewart I am in favor of extending the pathway. It is possible that extending it may help disperse traffic along the pathway more. I have personally ridden the Deer Creek Reservoir trail from Heber City through to Provo and have also frequently done rides that go between the Sundance exit and the Parkway trail. The road coming out of the Sundance turnoff on US-189 is dangerous enough for cars, let alone for cyclists trying to go down 189 to the Vivian Park turnoff. If there was some way to reduce the amount of exposure cyclists face when attempting to link the Sundance turnoff with the future extension of the Parkway that would be very helpful as the Alpine Loop Road is a very popular ride for cyclists and once on the Pathway it pairs very well with the Murdock Canal Trail.

Thanks,

Alex Stewart Improve safety for bicyclists at the Sundance turn-off/connection to Alpine Loop Road May 5, 2020 Michele Davis To whom it may concern,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to voice my opinion on extending the trail along the Provo River. I think it is a fantastic idea and completely support the idea. Having 100 miles of connecting trails would be great. As of right now, it makes no sense to have 3 missing miles. Happy to support this, let me know how I can help!

Michele Davis Heber City, Utah May 5, 2020 Josh Butikofer My daughter and I have been getting into bicycle touring. We started to plan a route from our home in Lehi all the way to Bear Lake, using the Murdoch Canal trail which connects to the Provo Canyon Trail, up through Heber into Park City and then on to the Union Pacific Rail Trail and then via gravel roads, etc. An area of big concern, however, is the Provo Canyon Trail stops at Vivian Park--and then we have to ride on the extremely busy Provo Canyon Road. The shoulder is wide, but those cars are moving so fast...it is basically a show stopper for us. We are going to have to start in Heber or Park City to begin our journey.

I was telling a coworker about this and they mentioned that there is a new proposal to expand the Provo Canyon Trail and fill in this gap between Vivian and Deer Creek reservoir trails. This would be AWESOME, as it would allow us to, in future years, ride into Midway without exposure to the traffic and high speed vehicles. Our entire family loves the Provo Canyon Trail and being able to go up to the reservoir completely on bike would be amazing.

As enthusiastic cyclists, my family and I fully support getting the funding to complete this trail. Bicycle travel is so important for the future of Utah, our climate, and our health. We would encourage you to do whatever you can to fill in this critical gap in our transportation infrastructure.

Thanks,

Josh Butikofer May 5, 2020 Steven Wiest Since I was a boy, I have been passionate about our trail system in Utah. My neighbor growing up (Weldon Taylor) was the mastermind behind the Provo River Trail and worked hard to make this wonderful asset to our community possible. We have all been benefactors of his hard work since.

I can't think of a better way to honor him than to see this trail extend past Vivian Park up to Midway. I ride on the trail on a daily basis and think it would be the crown jewel of paths for all to enjoy if this money can be approved.

I recently sold my company and have found myself a young retired individual. I am willing to help wherever I can to see this happen. I have thought of many ways we can show the legislature the value of this project. One is to have them out for a bicycle ride up the canyon and enjoy the beauty of Provo Canyon.

I appreciate all this Organization does for the State of Utah and the fine system that it has built. I commuted to Salt Lake from Lindon Utah for 25 years. The approvements have changed my life and everyone in the State of Utah.

Sincerely,

Steve Wiest May 5, 2020 Jess Adamson I am asking for your support to approve the final segment of the Provo River Trail. This trail is an important transportation element for a large community of bikers, hikers and runners. This provides a corridor of travel that supports clean air and physical well-being while reducing vehicle traffic.

Best,

Jess Adamson May 6, 2020 Doran Sanft Hello,

I would like to express my support for extending the Provo River Trail. I run on this trail 2-3 times / week. The trail is used by a variety of groups including bikers, runners, walkers, skateboarders, and many others throughout the year but especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. I remember one time a couple of summers ago encountering a man from Florida. He was riding his bike on the trail and commented to me that he wished Florida had more trails like the Provo River Trail. It would be great if the trail extended beyond Vivian Park all the way to Deer Creek Dam.

Thank you, Doran Sanft Provo May 6, 2020 Mark Butler I was enjoying the Provo River Parkway multi-use trail this morning, as I have done probably Signing and hundreds of times. Use of the Provo Parkway trail is significant, and could best be described as striping of trail “congested” nearly every warm evening. I understand that there is a proposal to continue the to provide Provo Parkway trail up to its terminus at Deer Creek Reservoir, at a cost of about 6.1 million added safety for dollars. cyclists and pedestrians I tender my enthusiastic support for this proposition. Few investments in public well-being pay as great a dividend as those that promote increased physical activity and responsible use of our great Utah outdoors.

Simultaneously, I recommend and strongly support increased signage and striping of the existing Provo Parkway trail, so as to adequately communicate the separate down-canyon lane (far side), up-canyon lane (middle), and pedestrian lane (near side). Signage and striping can promote safe use of the trail. Currently, as a multi-use trail, longboarders often occupy both down-lanes, pedestrians and joggers often occupy the down-trail “wheels only” lane, and cyclists going up and down are forced to weave in between. Generally, a verbal signal makes for safe passage (e.g. “passing on your left”). Yet signage and striping could probably promote greater safety and understanding.

Mark Butler

School of Family Life

M.S. & Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy

Brigham Young University May 6, 2020 Jacob Dayton I am enthusiastically in favor of the extension to the River Trail! I use the trail 3-4 times a week in warm weather, and I would love to see it extend further. May 6, 2020 Alyssa Gates Hi! I’m thrilled to hear your committee is considering funding the extension of the Provo river trail. As a Provo native our family loves coming up to Bridal Veil Falls. Having It go all the way to deer creek reservoir would be amazing for biking and family walks. We support this decision. Thanks, Alyssa Gates May 7, 2020 Larry McCloud The trail is a huge blessing that I would love to see completed. It’s hard to imagine anyone not appreciating it. May 7, 2020 Varden Hadfield This email is a public comment to voice my strong support of the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park to Deer Creek.

I Love This Trail I live in Northeast Orem and use this trail almost daily, year-round, both biking and running. My wife and six children often bike up and down the trail. My son's eagle project placed mile new marker signs along this section from 800 N Orem to Vivian Park.

All hours of day and night, I find many other riders, runners, and walkers--especially morning and evening. Runners are less common at 6:30am in February, but I'm there and often see others. The trail has to be one of the most heavily used bike/walk areas in Utah. I have several neighbors who chose to move here primarily because of access to this trail area.

The trail ending at Vivian park is such a frustration, though, because the canyon is perfect for recreation, but that highway is so dangerous. Especially near sunset or sunrise when so many people are exercising but the visibility for drivers is so difficult with the sun in everyone's eyes.

This Road Almost Killed Me A couple of years ago, I was biking down the highway on my road bike on the gravelly shoulder, listening to semi trucks race by at 60 mph just a few feet from my shoulder. I felt nervous and vulnerable already and was watching carefully. Then suddenly I found myself skidding on my shoulder and back and rolling on the pavement. I didn't know what happened until I got back up and found a fist-sized rock on the shoulder of the pavement that I hadn't seen. I got up carefully, found just a couple of bruises and walked back to my bike as I felt blasts of wind and noise from semi trucks blasting at freeway speeds just a couple of feet away.

Most of all, I thought about how grateful I still get to finish raising my six children. If that my bike had veered just a couple of feet to the left after hitting that rock, I would have surely been killed instantly. With how often bikers enjoy riding up this highway to Heber and to the Alpine Loop, I'm actually shocked there aren't more deaths along this section. It's incredibly dangerous.

It makes me nervous every time my wife says she's going for a ride to Heber or Sundance or the Alpine Loop.

Please Get This Done! Please commit to complete this project! In addition to saving lives, this segment would be an incredible tourist, health and quality of life statement for the entire area to connect this entire network!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Varden Hadfield Orem UT May 7, 2020 Robert Hadfield I en excited to hear that the provo canyon trail is to be extended soon! For my eagle project I worked with the county to put mile marker signs up throughout a pero of the tail, and I love biking the trail. It would be such an improvement to connect the trail and give safe and enjoyable passage all the way to midway!!

Robert Hadfield May 7, 2020 Becky Hadfield I’m thrilled that the Provo river trail expansion is being considered. Please, please, please move forward with this. I’m a road biker and riding on the canyon highway from Provo to Heber is not fun. But it’s my only option right now. Save lives, encourage wellbeing, promote fitness! Thank you Becky Hadfield May 7, 2020 Josh Wong I am writing you to strongly encourage any and all support of the project to extend the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek. I am resident of Northeast Orem and I and many other regularly frequent the encsexisting trail and would love to see it extended for a few reasons.

1) Population growth and corresponding increased pressure on the existing trail. As the population of Utah Valley and the rest of Utah in general continues to grow the experience on our existing trails continues to degrade just because it is so popular. Most of the users are strong advocates for outdoor recreation and exercise but when the experience begins to turn negative because of the sheer number of people on the trail it will make it harder and less enjoyable to stay healthy and promote the area as an outdoor friendly one. If we are able to expand the trail to Deer Creek this will go a long way to alleviate this pressure and return the experience to a better one for everyone.

2) Safety. While I would love to ride my bikes with my family of 5 up to Deer Creek from Orem, I am currently unable to because I do not dare to put our lives at risk riding on the side of the highway. The shoulder that exists is littered with rocks, glass and assorted other debris. So not only do we risk damage to our bikes, but any falling or swerving due to this debris puts our lives in serious danger. Not to mention the risk of riding right next to cars and trucks traveling at freeway speeds that may get distracted at any point either by the sun or the radio or their phones or anything else. Just a momentary distraction can easily kill a pedestrian on the shoulder.

3) Economy. I believe that many people are attracted to Utah and Utah County specifically because of our easy access to many outdoor recreational activities. Extending this access will continue to secure this reputation and increase the overall well-being of the area and people in general.

Finally, I would like to also encourage some sort of improvement to access to the Alpine Loop in conjunction with this project. Many people, like myself, enjoy riding or running up the Alpine Loop, but crossing from the current River Trail to the loop is not easy and involves some high risk in crossing a highway. If there could be some bridge or other pedestrian friendly crossing opportunity that would be a big improvement.

Thank you for your support and continued efforts to improve our trail systems!

Best regards,

Joshua R. Wong Request improved access to Alpine Loop inconjunction with this project; a pedestrian-friendly crossing to get across the highway would improve safety May 7, 2020 Marlo Andersen It seems tp me that the added funding needed to complete this trail is a "no brainer." The benefits of all of the previous funding for the Provo River Trail loose a lot of their benefits because of this missing link.

The completion of this trail will be a big benefit to vehicular traffic on US189 by providing another route for runners and bicyclists, and provides an alternative to people walking on the rail right of way, all of which are serious public safety issues. It will also reduce the cost of hosting bicycle and runner events that now require a lot of traffic control to minimize safety issues because the US189 is now the only way through the canyon for these large group activities..

I am very much in favor of the added funding necessary to complete this project 1n 2021.

Marlo Andersen Provo, UT 84606 May 7, 2020 Matt Ward This email is a public comment to voice my strong support of the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park to Deer Creek.

I Love This Trail I live in Northeast Orem and use this trail almost daily, year-round, both biking and running. My wife and five children often bike up and down the trail.

All hours of day and night, I find many other riders, runners, and walkers--especially morning and evening. Runners are less common at 6:30am in February, but I'm there and often see others. The trail has to be one of the most heavily used bike/walk areas in Utah. I have several neighbors who chose to move here primarily because of access to this trail area.

The trail ending at Vivian park is such a frustration, though, because the canyon is perfect for recreation, but that highway is so dangerous. Especially near sunset or sunrise when so many people are exercising but the visibility for drivers is so difficult with the sun in everyone's eyes.

Please Get This Done! Please commit to complete this project! In addition to saving lives, this segment would be an incredible tourist, health and quality of life statement for the entire area to connect this entire network!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Matt Ward Orem, UT May 7, 2020 Amanda King To whom it may concern;

I am so happy that there is a possibility for the Provo Canyon Bike trail to be improved! I am an adaptive cyclist (I use a handcylce), and I have had some troubles with connecting to the Murdock Canal Trail. I also work with adaptive individuals and we would love to see improvements! If you need any input in that department, I would love to help out!

Many thanks,

Amanda King May 7, 2020 Rudi Kohler My elderly friends and I do a lot of biking on paved or relatively easy dirt trails here in Wasatch. We would love to see the 3 mile gap on the Provo River Trail between Vivian Park on the Provo River and the Deer Creek Dam connected. For us folks in Wasatch County, it would be a great ride to start at Soldier Hollow and bike to the mouth of Provo Canyon and return. I believe many of us in Wasatch County would support whatever taxes are required to complete this vital link.

Ideally, we would also like to see a relatively easy trail connecting the Deer Creek Reservoir Trail (which I rode 3 times this season) at Soldier Hollow in Midway with the Rail Trail at Park City in Summit County. This trail could generally follow the Provo river north to the Jordanelle Dam and then through Wasatch Mountain State Park to the old rail bed to Park City.

By connecting all this to the Murdock Canal Trail (which I did this Monday) and the Jordan River Trail, it would offer a great experience.

Please let me know what I can do to encourage these trail extensions.

Rudi Kohler Heber City, Utah May 7, 2020 Chris Debo To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to voice my support for the Provo River Trail extension. As a local business owner and resident I know how important this trail is to the community. However, it has an unnatural end at Vivian Park, causing two problems:

1. Overcrowding along the existing trail, including walkers, runners, longboarders, bikers, and everything in-between

2. Many bikers continue on to Sundance, the Alpine Loop, and Deer Creek Reservoir, using the highway and endangering themselves and drivers

Commercially, this would make it easier for residents and visitors to get to/from Sundance, and the extension would allow gravel and mountain bikers to get all the way to Midway through Deer Creek trails. Currently the trail is too short and disconnected from the eastern Wasatch Front; this would bring it all together and make this trail one of the premier bike trails in the country. It would also reduce congestion on the trails and roads and reduce the State of Utah’s risk exposure related to severe and fatal accidents.

In times like these we can certainly see the benefit of having uncongested outdoor public spaces, and while $6.1 is by no means an insignificant number, the benefits gained (both tangible and intangible) well exceed the investment. As someone that uses this trail regularly, I strongly support the initiative to extend the trail and would be happy to provide further comment if requested.

Best regards, Chris Debo President, Qualfront Solutions

May 7, 2020 Jeremy Hadfield Hi,

I love the Provo river trail and would like to express my immense support for the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park to Deer Creek.

Thank you! Jeremy May 8, 2020 David Wood I'm writing to encourage you to support expanding the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek Reservoir (and then eventually hopefully all the way to Heber). My family and I use the trail about weekly for bike riding. We love it. In a world where kids spend so much time in front of the television, the bike path offers a safe, fun alternative. We love having a safe place to ride our bikes. We ride on the Murdock Canal, but that even has street crossings that make it less safe. The canyon is the safest place we have found to ride. We also love how it gets us into nature. We frequently pack picnics and enjoy the river, mountains, and scenery.

Please consider expanding the trail.

Thanks,

David May 8, 2020 Memorie Durfee Please continue to expand the Provo river parkway trail! It is a huge asset to the community, and very important to me. I use it regularly and love we very bit of it!!!

Memorie Durfee May 8, 2020 Trevor Holyoak I understand you are considering extending the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek. As a regular user of the trail, I would love for this to happen. I work near the mouth of the canyon and would love to be able to extend my bike rides that far.

Thanks, Trevor Holyoak May 10, 2020 Tara Piña Hello,

My name is Tara Piña and I am a Provo resident. I live along the Provo River Trail and use it daily. It is one of my favorite things about living in Provo. I see hundreds of people use it every day, year round, as well.

I would love to see the river trail completed from Vivian Park to Deer Creek as well as connected to Lindon. I support and encourage the funding of this project and believe the other mentioned users of the trail would too.

I would be happy to give more comments if needed.

Thank you!

Tara Piña 970-759-8191 2483 W 370 N, Provo, UT May 10, 2020 Lucie Bertuleit Dear committee,

The provo River trail is truly amazing and some refuge from the busy streets. I’d like to support the funding for this and hope you’ll take my and other people’s voice into consideration as we would all love to have more of these amazing walks by the provo River!

Thank you

Regards, Lucie Bertuleit May 10, 2020 Kathryn Braillier I wholeheartedly support continuing the Provo River Trail. GO for it? Kathryn Braillier May 11, 2020 Brett Walker Yes on finishing the trail! Brett Walker May 11, 2020 Rob Carlson Hi,

Just wanting to provide some input that the extending of the trail would be a huge positive for so many of us. I and my family spend a fair amount of days on the trail, mainly on bikes but on foot as well.

It is great to see the trail utilized by so many (yeah, even the long boarders, I guess?), including our own Representative John Curtis getting in his miles.

So, YES, let's move forward with the plan to extend it.

thanks, Rob Carlson May 11, 2020 Adam Densley Just wanted to voice my support in funding the final segment of the provo river trail. Adam May 11, 2020 Perry Carter Dear State Transportation Commission; As one of thousands of Utah County residents who use the Provo Canyon Trail frequently, I heartily encourage the proposal to extend the trail further up the canyon to the Deer Creek Reservoir if that is possible. I am sure the extended trail would be heavily used and might take some bicycle traffic off the South Fork road which is now the only place to continue riding once you reach Vivian. If there were a way to raise funds for such an undertaking from the trail users I am sure a great deal could be raised in a short time. Please accept my vote of encouragement. Respectfully, P. Carter Almost daily user of Provo Canyon

May 11, 2020 Lisa Pratt I am definitely in support of extending the trail from Vivian to Deer Creek. It is always so scary when I have had to bike or run through the tunnel. Thank you. Lisa Pratt May 12, 2020 Isabel Jones This email is a public comment to voice support of the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park or Deer Creek.

I love the Provo River Trail so much!!! I use it almost daily, and love the safe access it gives me to SO many places along Provo Canyon. However, I have been disappointed with the fact that the trail doesn’t extend further. I would love to see it expand to Deer Creek and provide safer access to areas farther up the canyon. I especially hope that it can provide safe access to the Alpine Loop from the river trail. Currently, it is very dangerous to cross the road and make it up to the Alpine Loop trail, especially with all the construction that is going on. I would love to see the river trail extend and provide a safe way to cross the road there.

So many people use the Provo River trail on a consistent basis- please make it a priority to make recreating in Provo Canyon safer and more accessible for everyone!

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Isabel Jones

May 12, 2020 George Karlsven Dear sir,

I live in Provo and ride the Provo river trail several times a week from April through November. I strongly encourage the State of Utah to appropriate the money to complete the connection between the Provo river trail and the Wasatch County trail system.

It would be an amazing system that would be recognized nation wide as a magnificent outdoors opportunity.

George Karlsven Provo UT May 12, 2020 Irina Wong This email is a public comment to voice my strong support of the Provo River Trail project from Vivian Park to Deer Creek.

My family and I live in Northeast Orem and we use the Provo River trail about twice a week, year- round for biking. I would love to see that trail extended to Deer Creek. We would use that trail very often, as we prefer to do longer rides then just to Vivian. I have ridden on the highway to Heber before, and it was not a safe way to travel! After doing it once, I promised myself to never do it again. I would love to see a biking trail all the way to Deer Creek.

Please complete this project! In addition to saving lives, this segment would be an incredible addition to outdoor recreation in our area.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Irina Wong May 12, 2020 Sherry Almquist Our family has used Provo canyon trail for years and always wished that connection was there. It suddenly dead ends at the most beautiful spot in the canyon making you want more. Also as a driver coming around deer Creek it scares me when bikers hop up on the road. It's A safety issue as much as a trail enthusiast issue. May 13, 2020 John Aznar To whom it may concern, With regard to the proposed completion of a trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek reservoir, I would like to add my support for the idea. As a local community member and runner in Orem, I am on that trail nearly every weekend. I often run to Vivian and the then turn around to come back. If I want to go further, I will will continue up south fork. The problem with South fork are the many blind corners where cars cannot see runners or bikers and it becomes dangerous for the many of us trying to use it. Having an alternative, especially one that connects to the Wasatch trail system would be a dream come true. I believe thousands of people would use that route throughout the year. Thank you for your consideration of the project. Sincerely, John Aznar May 13, 2020 Cindy Wood I fully support completing the missing section between the Provo River Trail and the Wasatch County trail. My family is really into biking and we use all the various trail systems often. We would love to see this trail extend further.

Cindy Wood May 13, 2020 Tyler Vongsawad With a family of 5 we often use the Provo river trail for walking, running, and biking. We’d love to see it extend beyond Vivian Park to Deer Creek. -- Tyler Vongsawad May 13, 2020 Rebecca DeSchweinitz I support extending the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek. This would be great for our community. My family and I would bike and run to Deer Creek. What a wonderful way to enjoy the canyon!

Rebecca de Schweinitz Provo resident May 13, 2020 Shannon Ellsworth Provo City To whom it may concern: Council District 3 I completely support the expansion of trails and trail networks in our state. They add to quality of life and provide a means of mobility and recreation. I hope the Provo River Trail system will be a top priority this year for your commission.

Sincerely, Shannon Ellsworth May 13, 2020 Kaisha Simmons Hello Utah Transportation Commission,

I am emailing to give my support for the final segment of the Provo River Trail as recommended to the State Transportation Commission for funding.

Thank you, Kaisha Simmons Utah resident May 13, 2020 Amy Fiene To Whom it may concern,

I am all in favor of the Provo River Trail extension to Deer Creek.

Thank you, Amy Fiene May 13, 2020 Troy Adair I'm so excited to hear that the missing link in the Provo Canyon Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek might be completed next year! I LOVE biking in that GORGEOUS Canyon, and excited about all the safe connectivity that will bring!

Thanks!!!!

Troy Adair May 13 Sydney Flygare I fully support expanding/lengthening the Provo river trail!!! Please please make it happen.

Sydney May 13, 2020 Genevieve Kolling Hi,

I would like to express my support of the Provo River Trail expansion to Deer Creek. I would love to see this happen.

Best Regards, Genevieve Kolling May 13, 2020 Daniel Burt To whom it may concern,

I am a Provo Resident passionate about the proposed river parkway extension through Provo Canyon to Deer Creek Reservoir! If it were already in place, it would make my planned ride this Friday to the reservoir much safer!

The safety element is the largest factor in expanding the demographics of those who will take on bicycle travel (for recreation or commuting). And of course, this project will greatly enrich many lives, not only prevent injury or loss of life.

Thank you for your consideration of this public investment!

Daniel Burt Provo, UT May 14, 2020 Patrick Walton Please fund the Provo river trail expansion. One of Utah's great strengths is it's opportunity to engage us in all kinds of landscapes. It improves health in so many ways! The Provo river trail has been a gem for my family and so many others for years. Expansion will give us more areas of the trail to explore and will spread people out over a larger area.

Patrick Walton Provo Resident May 14, 2020 Mark Broadbent Hi,

I just want to voice my support for the extension of the provo river trail to deer creek reservoir in heber. As someone who cycles that canyon, it would be much safer to ride it via trail rather than on the highway. Bing able to ride via trail into the heber valley would be so great for recreation in Utah.

Thanks Mark Broadbent May 14, 2020 Zach Marshall I have heard that there is a potential to expand the Provo River Trail, and as a Provo resident, I would be ecstatic about that. We use this trail every week, usually multiple times a week. This trail is a fantastic release from the regular hustle and bustle of Provo. It make me feel good about being outdoors and has been a god send during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would be incredible if this trail was to be extended. Thank you!

Zach Marshall May 14, 2020 Russ Taylor I’ve been cycling the Provo River Trail for more than 20 years and have dreamed of the day when I could ride the trail to Deer Creek Dam without riding on the highway (which I have done—a scary experience). I support making this dream a reality! Russ Taylor Provo, Utah May 14, 2020 Lauren Helgeson Hello,

I am writing to show my support for the expansion of the Provo River Trail. I love running and walking the trail. It is a much safer way for me to exercise, as well as walk to get groceries. I wanted to further encourage the committee to support the project.

Thank you,

Lauren Helgeson May 14, 2020 Celeste Knnard I was using the Provo River Trail this week and our family saw a sign about a possible extension to Deer Creek. We support it!

We had met at the trail with our grown kids and their new baby for a little Mother's Day social distancing style. I love this idea of extending the trail, and so did our family. This trail is one of our favorite things about living in this area and each summer we take time cleaning up the Provo River along the trail system down by the lake, its a big family affair where we bring canoes and cousins, aunts and uncles and have a great time, a couple of years our niece even made it into a community event. We enjoy riding this trail from Vivian Park down into Provo and we walk and bike many of the areas in smaller sections. I used to lead a "Plants and Preschoolars" hiking group every Thursday for years and the Provo River Trail was often our exploring area for the day through out the year. Not only that, but every year we join my husband's sister that is disabled in a "RAH walk" on the trial down off of 8th North right near where Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) is located. The river trail figures prominently in many of the weekly activities offered by this organization for disabled adults. In general this trail touches every area of our lives.

This trail is so important to the mental and physical health of our immediate and extended family and friends, we love the idea of extending it to Deer Creek!

Celeste Kennard Provo, UT May 14, 2020 Keaton Boren I live in Orem and I love the canyon do spend a lot of time boarding the trail and running it. I think it would be a very good thing to fund the extension. I’ve noticed a lot more people up there on the trail and I think the entire community would just love it!!! Thanks for the time! May 14, 2020 Mary Drinkwater I heard that the completion of the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek Dam is under consideration. I'm totally in favor of the project. I would use it and benefit from it. Thanks! May 14, 2020 Jamie Wilkey I very much support expanding the Provo River trail! I use it 4+ times a week at various spots from Utah Lake up thru Provo Canyon. It is very popular and I know thousands would benefit from an expanded trail system.

Thanks for considering expansion,

Dr. Jamie Wilkey May 14, 2020 Carter Landon I'm a frequent user of the provo river trail, and have noticed that others are as well. I would love for the rest of the trail to be finished! I feel like that would really encourage health and recreation here, and that it would be well used.

Carter Landon, 22, Provo May 14, 2020 Carly Hancock To whom it may concern:

As a new mother and avid cyclist, I would LOVE to have the Provo River trail extended! Please do consider the proposition of the trail extension as it will add immense value to the lives of many Utahns!

Thanks,

Carly Hancock May 15, 2020 Robert Francis Please complete the final segment of the Provo River Trail May 15, 2020 Matthew Chrstensen Dear public officials,

I would like to express my support for extending the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam. I have been a regular user of both the Provo River Trail and the Deer Creek Trail to Midway. I have hoped for many years to see these two great trails linked together. I know I speak for many in Provo that would love to see this project completed.

Thank you.

Matt Christensen Provo Resident May 15, 2020 Connor McMillan Hi, Request for soft surface such as I'm a professional runner who lives and trains in the Provo area. I have heard of plans to extend dirt, wood chips the Provo river trail to Deer Creek reservoir. or gravel for trail. I think it is a great idea! I know a LOT of local runners and the running community really enjoys these trails. However, they and myself also enjoy softer surfaces (grass, dirt, wood chips, gravel) to run on, as it helps prevent injury and allows for better recovery.

Hard surfaces are needed by cyclists, skateboarders, strollers etc. I would like to suggest leaving a portion of new recreation trails unpaved and covered by a soft surface (dirt, wood chips, gravel) for runners to enjoy.

Thank you,

Connor McMillan May 16, 2020 Victor Trevisanut Dear Transportation Commission,

The purpose of this email is to discuss the extension of the Provo River Trail project. I would like to express my support for this project and offer some examples as to why this is a great idea. As an avid cyclist and runner, I spend almost every day on the Provo River Trail. More than anything else in Utah County, this trail is, in my opinion, the biggest attraction to the area. It showcases the best nature that Utah has to offer, with the beautiful Provo Canyon and Provo River. It is no wonder there are so many people on the trail! Despite the fact that the trail ends at Vivian Park, the sheer beauty of the region does not deter many from continuing onward and tackling the Alpine Loop and the path to Deer Creek. That said, it is a dangerous ride! Having ridden on that highway on many occasions, I have had several close encounters with motorists who do not obey the 3-foot rule. If there was a bike path that paralleled this road, many bicyclists could avoid putting their lives in danger when attempting this ride. On top of that, there are races held each year in the canyon, often closing down lanes and causing awful traffic for those in motorized vehicles. If there was a possibility to have a longer path, the large majority of a marathon could be done exclusively on the trail.

This trail extension would give me and thousands of others more opportunities to safely spend time out in nature and getting healthy. This project would be a life changer for me on a daily basis, and I offer complete support for this project.

Sincerely,

Victor Trevisanut Lindon Resident May 16, 2020 Steve Sandberg Hello! Request deep gravel base for Thanks for the opportunity to comment on the proposal for the state to fund an extension of the improved Provo River Trail. Please do it! We love the trail. We run 12 miles along it every Saturday. We asphalt take our kids biking on it all the time. And having the ability to go beyond Vivian Park would be smoothness of amazing. trail.

This trail is one of the best used and most beautiful in the state. It would be wonderful to have it extended and allow for more use, by distance and by increased capacity for more people. Thanks!

(If you do it, I hope the funding allows for a deep gravel base. The sections that have been rebuilt recently with a deep gravel base make such a difference on the smoothness of the asphalt over time.)

Best, Steve May 16, 2020 Douglas Bell My wife and I walk the Provo River trail summer and winter at least 6 times a week. We shoot for 5 miles a day. The trail is a natural wonder and a gift of nature to all who us it. Please, please, approve the new addition to the parkway. We will use it and be so grateful. If you need someone to be present and testify to the need and worth of the trail, please call us. We would be happy to come to the commission meeting and support the new addition. Thank you so much.

Douglas and Caryl Bell Orem, Utah May 16, 2020 Bill Bodine Hello,

My name is Bill Bodine. I frequently use the Provo river trail, and hope the committee will consider extending the trail to Deer Creek. It is a VERY popular destination for walking, bikers and skaters and I’m sure it would get great use if it extended even further up the canyon.

Thank you, Bill Bodine May 16, 2020 Jason Bodine Please extend the PROVO river trail to midway. There are thousands of bikers that would ride hay every year and it’s simply too dangerous for them to keep riding on the highway.

Thanks,

Jason Bodine May 17, 2020 Kyle Weight To the Utah Transportation Commission,

My family and I have enjoyed the Provo River Trail for years and we’d love to see it extended to Dear Creek Reservoir! Please approve the $6.1M funding.

Sincerely,

Kyle Weight May 17, 2020 Tanner Weinheimer To whom it may concern: While out hiking today I found a billboard notice about the continued development of trails in Provo Canyon. I am in full support of constructing minimally-invasive pathways for bikers and jogers in Utah canyons. Please consider my support for this project when deciding how to proceed with budgeting conversations. Sincerely, Tanner Weinheimer May 18, 2020 Ryan Johnson Hi!

Walking through Bridal Veil park I saw a sign requesting public comments about extending the Provo River Parkway trail past Vivian Park, to connect with Deer Creek Reservoir. That would be wonderful, my family has ridden up the trail from mouth of Provo Canyon more than once, and were disappointed to turn around at Vivian Park.

Regards, Ryan Johnson May 18, 2020 Jenn Hartman Utah Transportation Commission,

I am thrilled to hear about a possible extension of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Reservoir. I feel this is such an important link to make if it can be done. I’m excited about the possibility of connecting so many different recreational activities with this trail. I really hope that we can make it work and have this trail in the near future. I’m already dreaming of having my family bike up and do things at the lake, stay the night (or a few), do more hiking and biking and other things in the area. I’m super excited about it and hope to see it in the works for our area soon.

Thank you! Jenn Hartman Provo May 18, 2020 Troy Grassley I am all for extending the provo river trail, that path it one of the few places I feel safe as a biker in Likes protected Utah county. I commute to work on bike at least 3 days a week on bike using Geneva road and bike lanes in while traveling south there is a spot where the bike lane completely cuts out (around 2000 N Provo and provo) and you have to swerve into the lane reserved for cars. I love the protected bike lanes in adjusts route to Provo and will take longer routes to my destination just to use the protected bike lanes. use them; Geneva Road Bike sales are up during this lockdown, and now would be a great time to get people caring about bike lane cuts bike infrastructure before they try to navigate the city only to find out they have to cling to their out around cars because they have no other option. 2000 N Provo Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, and bicyclists have to ride in Love you! traffic lane May 19, 2020 James Purinton Hi UT Transportation Commission,

Hope you're all doing well and staying safe.

I just want to add my enthusiastic and eager support for the expansion/completion of the Provo River Trail project. I'm convinced this will add immense and lasting value to our infrastructure and community.

It's trails like the PRT that have helped me explore UT and get healthier in recent years.

Thank you for all you do.

Best Regards,

James Purinton May 19, 2020 Guy Randle Dear Commission Folks

I would like to add my voice to those recommending the extension of the Provo River Trail from Vivian Park up to Deer Creek. That would be a HUGE boon to the importance of the trail to the thousands of people, both local and from elsewhere, who use the trail for fitness, river access, and just enjoying the outdoors.

Thanks for all you do

Guy May 20, 2020 Mark Elliott Dear Utah Transportation Commission,

The final segment of the Provo River Trail was recommended to your commission for funding at $6.1 million.

I fully support the funding of the last section of the Provo River Trail, and encourage the commission to pass the funding.

The Provo River Parkway Trail is a state treasure and enhances the livability in Utah County significantly. This is a sensible investment in the future as Utah County population growth is expected to be spiking in the coming years.

Thank you for your consideration.

Mark Elliott Provo Utah May 20, 2020 Jacob Heslington Hi, My name is Jake. I recently saw that there are potential plans to make a trail to connect the Provo River trail to the one along Deer Creek. I am on the BYU track and cross country teams and we run on both of those trails very regularly. Having them connected would open up so many possibilities. I recently told my team about this and they were very excited about it. Hopefully they take the time to share their thoughts individually with you, but collectively that would be such a blessing to us and the running community in Utah. We travel to a wide variety of places and talk with a lot of other runners from other places, and from what I have seen, Utah Valley has one of the biggest running communities out there, but the trail systems are sub par. Having an uninterrupted trail like this would greatly benefit the entire community and I'm sure it would get used extensively. I'm glad that it has at least been proposed. Also, as runners, we are often disappointed to see trails get paved. Dirt trails minimize impact and reduce injuries in runners, so we look to get off pavement and onto dirt as much as we can. From what I have heard, when the Murdock Canal trail was paved, they promised to leave a dirt portion, but it is so narrow that it is mostly unusable. If this project gets done, it would be greatly appreciated by the running community if a 4-5 foot dirt portion on the side was left for runners. I hope this feedback is useful and I hope that this project gets done.

Thanks, Jake May 20, 2020 Jon Felt State Transportation Commission,

I am writing in support of the extension of the Provo River Trail to Deer Creek Reservoir. I use that trail at least weakly to run, bike, and take strolls with my family. I love Provo Canyon sooooo much!

The Provo River Trail should be expanded because:

1) Safety. Bikers use the shoulder of Hyw 189 between Vivian Park and Deer Creek Reservoir. This is not safe. The shoulder is not wide, it is cluttered with debris, and the drivers are moving very fast. An expansion of the trail will save lives.

2) Recreation. An expansion of this trail will allow for better running and biking trails. There are already several marathons and half-marathons that use the Provo River Trial. If these could start at Deer Creek rather than Vivian Park, then they trails wouldn't need to extend into the city of Provo as much. This would decrease the significant traffic delays that happen for these races. The race trails would also be more beautiful, attract more people, and bring in greater profits and prestige for the city and state.

3) Health. Extending the trail will encourage my bicycling and running up the canyon. This will increase the health of the state's citizens. Besides just improving the well-being of people, increased exercising will decrease healthcare costs for individual families and decrease demand on the state healthcare system.

For all of these reasons, the Provo River Trail should be expanded to Deer Creek Reservoir. Provo Canyon is a beautiful canyon. With an investment of resources to expand the trail its entire length, it could be a real gem for the state.

Jon Felt May 21, 2020 Thomas Murray Facebook Reference: The Utah DOT is planning on constructing a three-mile segment of paved Comment trail system in Provo Canyon between Vivian Park and Deer Creek Dam in the next year. This opposes new trail will link over 100 miles of trail system between Utah and Wasatch Counties. The trail funding the system would also provide more angling and other recreational access. Learn more about the proposed project at https://j.mp/2TqlYyE. And you can share your comments with UDOT at project [email protected].

To: Transportation Commission

In a post by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (see Facebook Reference), there’s reference to building a paved trail system from Vivian Park to Deer Creek Dam in Provo Canyon. It seems that projects like these should be deferred until the financial challenges facing UT are resolved. I’ ve sent a note to Governor Herbert’s office expressing my concern: specifically that some UT departments/divisions may be failing to understand how UT tax revenues will be significantly affected by the coronavirus impacts.

Thomas Murray May 21, 2020 Spencer Smith Hello! I am writing to express my support for the River Trail expansion project. Please do what you can to make this happen! It will be a valuable asset to our community for years to come!

Thanks for your time, Spencer Smith May 21, 2020 Michael Conley To whom it may concern,

The Provo River trail is a great resource to Utah as it promotes good health from an active lifestyle. I encourage you to support the trail improvements.

Thank you,

Michael Conley, MD May 21, 2020 Mark Jones To Whom It May Concern:

This email is to express my strong support for the completion of the Provo Canyon Parkway Trail Gap. I am a resident of Orem and I am profoundly thankful for the Provo River Trail. It is a wonderful asset to our community and allows for a variety of recreation opportunities. I would love to see this trail continue and link with the Heber/Midway trail system. This would open a wonderful network of trails that would provide recreation, fitness and leisure opportunities. And very importantly, it would provide a safe way up the canyon for those of us rode bikers who love the canyon but are afraid to bike up the canyon past Vivian Park. Cars drive fast and are frequently looking at the scenery, putting bikers at risk. Completing this trail system would separate the bikers from the cars and make for a much safer and enjoyable experience. Thanks you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Mark Jones Orem UT May 22, 2020 Marin Carlson I support the expansion of the Provo River Trail. Date received Name Representing Comment Comment Theme May 22, 2020 Grant Skabelund Please allocate funds and find a way to complete the Provo River Trail. We need to provide safe travel options for bikers and walkers between Heber City and Provo/Orem.

Thanks so much, grant Safety May 22, 2020 Chip Browne Hello, I just wanted to vote in favor of the project to extend the Provo River Trail to the Deer Creek Reservoir. That canyon is phenomenal, and making it accessible to walkers and riders would be a treat. Kind regards, Chip Benefit/quality of life May 22, 2020 Denise Smallcanyon I saw that there is a consideration to extend the Provo river trail. It is my very favorite thing about Provo. I run on it several times a week on the west side close to my house and the lake. And I bike on it often up Provo Canyon. I would just LOVE for it to be extended farther. I'm so glad that it is being contemplated. I would enjoy it immensely.

Sincerely someone who runs or bikes just about every day Denise Smallcanyon Benefit/quality of life May 23, 2020 David Lindsay I want to voice my support and the support of my wife and six children for the increase in the Provo River trail. We all benefit very much from that beautiful trail and we would encourage its development through Provo canyon. Thank you David Lindsay and family Benefit/quality of life May 24, 2020 Robert Whyte Please complete the Provo River trail to Deer Creek Reservoir. It would be a fantastic addition to our community and the trail system! Robert Whyte Benefit/quality of life May 27, 2020 Eric Porter I am President of Wasatch Trails Foundation, trail advocacy group for Wasatch County. I am writing to voice our organization’s enthusiastic support for the Provo Canyon Trail. Our mission is to create better trails and more connectivity in and around Wasatch County, and this fits perfectly with our vision. This type of human powered connection between communities and trails is exactly what we need to create a better quality of life for the residents and visitors of Wasatch and Utah Counties. Wasatch Trails Foundation Benefit/quality of life June 2, 2020 Steven Tueller Hi! Provo Canyon is a beautiful place that lures people to get out and bike and walk more on the trail - and therefore be more healthy! We would love to see more river trail developed. Thank You! Steven Tueller Health June 7, 2020 Cameron Jacobs I love this trail so much and run it almost every day with my xc team. This extension of the trail Benefit/quality would help so much because it would not only give me and my team the opportunity to go on of life longer runs without having to drive far away and Into other cities but it will give all of the high school teams in Utah county this same opportunity. If you ever go and park at the mouth of the canyon early on a Saturday morning you can see several pretty large groups of runners coming down the canyon.

Thank you so much for letting me share why this trail expansion would help me. I hope you consider to approve this!

Thanks again,

Cameron Jacobs Orem high school June 7, 2020 Nick Stecklein An extension of the Provo River Trail would be an excellent thing for the community and people of Utah County! I strongly support an extension! Benefit/quality of life June 7, 2020 Bobby Swenson Please extend the Provo canyon trail all the way to Deer Creek. As an avid cyclist and runner it would be great to not be on the highway with the cars. Safety June 7, 2020 Taran Bailey I am an Orem resident and an avid outdoors enthusiast. I have spent a lot of my life on the Provo River Trail with my family and would love an extension to Deer Creek Reservoir. I hope to support this in anyway I can, as I know it will benefit my family and my community very much. Benefit/quality of life June 8, 2020 Scott V. Hansen I'm writing to voice my strong support of funding the final segment of the Provo River Trail. This trail is a gem, used by many for fitness, recreation, and transportation.

Thank you, Scott Hansen Highland, Utah Benefit/quality of life June 11, 2020 Ky L. Dodge I think this is a great idea to do