PLEASANT GROVE -- City officials are looking to next year's legislative session after being denied funding for a connector road to the new Pleasant Grove/Lindon I-15 interchange.

Officials spent almost the entire legislative session trying to gain financing for construction of 2000 West, a connector road which would lead to the new I-15 interchange.

Pleasant Grove City Administrator Frank Mills said legislators are looking favorably on funding for the future.

"They said that we did a lot of good ground work for this and there should be no problem with receiving financing next year, " Mills said.

Mills and Pleasant Grove Mayor Ed Sanderson began lobbying for $5 million in funding at the beginning of the 2001 session.

"I was up there for 22 days, sometimes for eight hours a day, " Mills said. "I think that our local caucus listened to us, but when it went to the leadership of the House I don't think they understood where Pleasant Grove is with this. "

Mills said the city will once again lobby for financing next year, but will probably have to ask for a larger amount.

"We will probably be asking for $8 or $9 million next year instead of our current $5, " Mills said.

Mills said the city can look at funding the project by putting in a special improvement district with approval from the landowners; use impact or development fees; or use a general obligation bond.

Construction on the new I-15 interchange began late last year with a $10.9 million construction cost. Some funds were provided through the Federal Highway Administration, the Utah Department of Transportation and local resources.

The city paid for part of the construction by issuing a $6 million bond that, according to Mills, other cities have not had to do.

The freeway interchange was first suggested to alleviate traffic congestion problems at the 500 East interchange in American Fork and the 1600 North interchange in Orem. The new interchange will serve all of the north end of Utah County as well as provide ready access to the cities of Pleasant Grove and Lindon, Timpanogos Cave, Mount Timpanogos LDS Temple, American Fork Hospital and the American Fork Canyon Recreation area.

UDOT is issuing an advisement to motorists that construction crews are working on the shoulders of both northbound and southbound I-15 at the new Pleasant Grove interchange. Heavy trucks will be moving in and out of the area daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. This work will be ongoing for the next two months.

UDOT advises motorists to use caution and travel at the posted 55 mile per hour speed limit while driving through I-15 construction zones.

Debra Jandreau can be reached at 344-2553 or djandreau@heraldextra.com