How Real Estate Developers Can Build Roads in Utah with the Help of a Lobbyist

Real estate development is a complex process that involves navigating various regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges. One of the most significant hurdles for developers in Utah is securing approval and funding for road infrastructure projects that are essential to the success of new developments. Whether you're building a new residential community, a commercial plaza, or an industrial park, roads and access points are critical for both regulatory compliance and marketability.

This is where the expertise of a lobbyist becomes invaluable. Lobbyists understand the intricate processes behind securing government approvals, navigating regulatory frameworks, and accessing state and federal funds. By working with a lobbyist, real estate developers can streamline the process of building roads and other necessary infrastructure in Utah. In this blog, we'll explore the steps involved in building roads for real estate projects and how a lobbyist can help you achieve success.

Step 1: Understanding Regulatory Requirements

Building a road in Utah requires compliance with various local, state, and federal regulations. These regulations ensure that roadways meet safety standards, environmental requirements, and transportation needs. Understanding these regulations is the first step in successfully building road infrastructure.

At the state level, Utah Code Title 72 governs transportation and provides detailed roadway construction, maintenance, and funding guidelines. Specific sections such as Utah Code § 72-2-102 (regarding the Transportation Fund) and Utah Code § 72-6-118 (concerning road construction projects) are critical to ensuring your development complies with state requirements.

A lobbyist can help developers understand the nuances of these regulations and assist in navigating the complex permitting processes with state and local agencies. Having a lobbyist on your team ensures you meet all legal requirements while advocating for the project's feasibility with government agencies.

Step 2: Securing Government Approvals

Before road construction can begin, real estate developers must secure approvals from multiple government entities, including local planning commissions, city councils, and state transportation agencies like UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation). These approvals are necessary to ensure the road design, traffic impact studies, and environmental assessments meet established criteria.

Lobbyists can advocate for your project during this process, helping expedite approvals. By leveraging their relationships with key decision-makers and their understanding of the political landscape, lobbyists can present your case in the most favorable light and address any concerns from stakeholders.

Lobbyists can also facilitate discussions between developers and local municipalities, ensuring that both parties agree on road alignments, access points, and scary zoning changes.

Step 3: Accessing Funding for Road Construction

Road construction can be a significant financial burden for developers, especially large-scale projects. Fortunately, several funding mechanisms are available at the state and federal levels that can help offset these costs. However, accessing this funding requires in-depth knowledge of the application process and eligibility criteria.

One key funding source is the Transportation Investment Fund (TIF), governed by Utah Code § 72-2-124. This fund provides resources for transportation projects, including new road construction. In some cases, developers may also benefit from public-private partnerships (PPPs), where the public sector contributes funding in exchange for the private sector shouldering some of the project costs.

Lobbyists are experts at navigating the funding landscape and can help developers identify and apply for funding opportunities. They work with government officials to highlight the road project's economic and community benefits, advocating for the allocation of state and federal funds. This can result in significant cost savings for developers while ensuring that the project moves forward.

Step 4: Building Strategic Partnerships

Building roads often requires collaboration between developers, local governments, and transportation agencies. A lobbyist can help facilitate these strategic partnerships, ensuring that all parties involved are aligned on the project's goals and timelines.

For example, a developer building a large residential community may need to collaborate with the local government to ensure the new roads connect seamlessly to existing infrastructure. A lobbyist can help facilitate negotiations between the developer and city planners, ensuring that the project's transportation needs are met without delays.

In some cases, lobbyists can also help developers form public-private partnerships, where the public sector and private developers work together to finance and build the infrastructure needed for a project. These partnerships often allow developers to share road construction costs with local governments, reducing the financial burden and speeding up project timelines.

Step 5: Advocacy and Political Support

Even with the proper regulatory approvals and funding, road construction projects can still face challenges, including opposition from local communities or competing priorities from government agencies. This is where having a lobbyist on your side is particularly valuable.

Lobbyists are skilled at building political support for projects. They understand how to engage with local communities, address concerns, and work with policymakers to ensure project progress. Whether attending public hearings, meeting with local officials, or mobilizing industry support, a lobbyist can advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

Conclusion

Building roads is a crucial part of any successful project for real estate developers in Utah. However, navigating the regulatory environment, securing approvals, and accessing funding can be daunting. By working with a lobbyist, developers can streamline the process, ensuring that road infrastructure is built efficiently and complies with all necessary regulations.

At GTC Consulting, we specialize in helping real estate developers navigate the complexities of road construction and other infrastructure projects. Our team, led by Greg Curtis, former Utah Speaker of the House, has the expertise and connections to help you secure approvals, funding, and political support. Contact us today to learn how we can help you build the infrastructure your development needs to thrive.