Episode 244 we talked to Mike Christensen who is Founder and Executive Director of Utah Rail Passengers Association. URPA is a not for profit that works toward advocacy and education to make people aware of transportation issues.
Mike was born in the East Bay in California but when his parents divorced, he moved to Malad, Idaho at the tender age of 10. Mike calls Malad ‘Home to the Utah Lottery’ because it’s so close to the border. Malad is a really small town and they had to travel to Pocatello, Idaho or Logan, Utah for anything more than groceries and basic healthcare. Anything special required a trip.
Mike went to Rick’s College, now known as BYU Idaho and received his associated degree, then he transferred to BYU in Provo and received his bachelor’s degree in geography. He made maps and managed data with that degree but as that became more automated, Mike went back to school and obtained his master’s degree in City and Metro Planning. His degree inspiration: two trips to Germany. One was as a high school exchange student and one was as an LDS missionary.
Once he had his degree, he was ready to research how Utah can better their public transportation and one of his case studies during his master’s degree program was DayBreak’s adherence to new urbanism. His class gave them a C- (which Chris thinks is generous). Mike goes on to explain that the population density of the area is not enough to support corner markets and people end up having to drive to the store, which defeats the purpose DayBreak was built for.
Listen to our interview with Mike to hear some of his ideas, some of our ideas and plans he has for the future of rail lines in Utah that could make it easier to travel to other states!
Mike’s has two interesting things about Utah:
- Utah has a toll road in South Ogden called the Adams Avenue Parkway and it’s 1.6 miles long. The road connects I84 with US Route 89.
- Utah has a Ferry at Lake Powell. It is a refurbished ferry formerly known as the Charles Hall Ferry and it goes between Bullfrog and Hall’s Crossing Marina’s. the drive from one Marina to the other is considered part of SR276. The ferry makes a 90-minute drive a 15–18-minute ride.
You can find out more about the Utah Rail Passengers Association at www.utahrpa.org or contact mike at mike@utahrpa.org. Mike is active on Twitter: @mrc_slc
This month also marks our new feature on historically significant locations in Utah. Our first feature is Topaz Relocation Camp.
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