Residents of Summit County will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on a proposed $99 million transportation bond during a public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the County Courthouse in Coalville. This bond aims to fund critical transportation infrastructure improvements in the Snyderville Basin, an area that has seen increasing traffic and infrastructural demands due to tourism. The Summit County Council discussed authorizing this bond measure alongside a proposed sales tax in a previous meeting last month. While the bond will directly finance the desired transportation enhancements, the revenue collected from the sales tax is set to cover the resulting debt over a period of 21 years. This dual approach aims to create a sustainable financial path for addressing urgent infrastructure needs. The bond and tax structures are being established under the authority granted by the Impacted Communities Taxes Act, which was enacted by the state Legislature in 2015. This legislation provides funding avenues for resort municipalities like Summit County that are experiencing infrastructural strain due to elevated tourism activity. For years, local officials have pushed for amendments to this legislation, making it possible for the county to implement the tax at a local level—a request that was successfully approved by lawmakers earlier this year. The new sales tax will be set at a maximum of 1.1% on sales within unincorporated Summit County and is expected to generate approximately $17 million annually. The revenue will specifically fund transportation infrastructure improvements and transit projects. Notably, this sales tax will not apply to essential purchases such as unprepared foods, prescription medications, gasoline, or automobiles, similar to exemptions found in recently passed tax measures. County Manager Shayne Scott anticipates that the tax will become effective in mid-February. The taxation will notably impact sectors such as resort lodging and short-term rentals, utility services, online sales, retail, and home improvement industries. The current combined sales tax rate for unincorporated Summit County stands at about 8.75%, in contrast to higher rates in nearby municipalities. Park City, which utilizes the Impacted Communities Taxes Act more extensively, has a slightly different tax structure due to its distinct qualification criteria. This public hearing marks a crucial step for residents to have a say in how their community addresses growing transportation needs in the face of ongoing development pressures.