RIVERTON REVIEW
Riverton, Utah City Government
Two New Bus Routes in Riverton
By Mayor Trent Staggs
Three years ago, I wrote about the stark inequality in public transit access across Salt Lake County, particularly for the southwest cities like Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, and South Jordan. At the time, I highlighted how this region—despite having a population density comparable to Salt Lake City—has been grossly underserved by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). I called for action, urging the UTA Board of Trustees and the Utah State Legislature to address these disparities and deliver services that at least approach the taxes we pay. Today, I’m thrilled to announce tangible progress: starting April 14, 2025, UTA will launch two new bus routes along Redwood Road and 12600 South in Riverton.
This is a significant win for our community and a step toward correcting the imbalances I outlined in 2022. Back then, I pointed out that while Salt Lake City accounted for 32% of the county’s bus stops and 48% of its rail stations, the southwest cities had just 2% of bus stops and 5% of rail stations. Riverton, Herriman, and Bluffdale didn’t even have a single bus stop. Meanwhile, our residents were contributing millions more in sales tax dollars to UTA than we were receiving in service—$21.1 million more, to be exact—while Salt Lake City’s service was subsidized to
APRIL 1, 2025
The new bus routes on Redwood Road and 12600 South will provide Riverton residents with direct, reliable access to public transit.
the tune of $27.4 million beyond its contributions. The numbers spoke for themselves: the system was unfair, and our residents deserved better.
“Starting April 14, 2025, UTA will launch two new bus routes along Redwood Road and 12600 South in Riverton.”
I’ve pressed for solutions as well as our local state legislators and many residents to make our voices heard. That collective effort is paying off. The new bus routes on Redwood Road and 12600 South will provide Riverton residents with direct, reliable access to public transit for the first time in years. These routes will connect our community to key destinations, reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and help ease congestion on our busy roads.
This isn’t the end of the road, though— it’s only a beginning. These two routes bring our service levels closer, but still not equal to the taxes we are paying for transit. Our southwest cities still lag far behind in infrastructure and service
compared to other parts of Salt Lake County, and I remain committed to pushing UTA for further improvements.
I want to thank our residents for their patience and their advocacy. Your calls and emails to state representatives, senators, and UTA leadership have made a difference. I also appreciate UTA’s willingness to listen and take action.
Mark your calendars for April 14, 2025, when these new routes go live. I encourage everyone to give them a try—whether you’re commuting to work, heading to school, or just exploring our region.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Spencer Haymond - District 5
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
April 1 & 15, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
April 10 & 24, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov
801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
FIND US ONLINE!
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Celebrating “The Shot Heard Round the World”
By Councilmember Spencer Haymond
On April 19th, Riverton City will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. This day marks a pivotal moment in American history, and I encourage everyone to reflect on the significance of this day. The journey to this first battle of the American Revolution was years in the making. The early settlers of the British Colonies had developed self-reliance over almost 250 years, making their own decisions for their welfare. As prosperity grew, Britain took notice, and due to its own financial struggles from foreign wars, England saw the colonies as a new source of revenue.
In 1765, England imposed the Stamp Act, requiring paper documents to bear an embossed stamp to certify the tax had been paid. The colonists were upset not because they were being taxed, but because they had no representation in the decision-making process. In their view, their property was being taken without their consent or that of their chosen representatives.
A statue of Captain John Parker who led the Lexington militia on April 19, 1775, during the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
John Adams noted that if Parliament could tax the colonies, they could impose the Church of England and prohibit other religions. The Boston Tea Party followed, and in retaliation, Britain imposed the Boston Port Bill, blockading the port. In response, colonies sent supplies to support the affected areas, and many called for fasting and prayer for divine intervention.
“As Patrick Henry warned, the future of this independence depended on how the people used the blessings granted by God.”
Patrick Henry, a new member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, led the charge against the Stamp Act. After intense debates, the resolutions passed, and resistance to British taxation spread quickly across America. This resistance eventually led to the Revolutionary War, which separated the two countries and gave America its independence. As Patrick Henry warned, the future of this independence depended on how the people used the blessings granted by God.
Religious freedom was another critical factor leading to independence.
As tensions mounted, the colonies began to unite, with independence becoming a shared goal. Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.” In Lexington, Rev. Paul Clark had been preparing his congregation to defend themselves. On April 19th, 1775, the first shots were fired, marking the beginning of the revolution.
The real shot heard ‘round the world was not the musket fire, but the testimonies of faith and the conviction for liberty held by the American colonists. As Riverton reflects on this day, let us remember the divine guidance that played a crucial role in our nation’s founding. God bless America!
Dog Licensing Updates and Animal Services
By Police Chief Shane Taylor
The Riverton City community plays a critical role in ensuring our pets’ safety and public health.
With the recent change, you, as Riverton residents, do not need to license your dogs. We need to be responsible for taking the initiative and ensuring our pets receive the rabies vaccination. The previous licensing system was a helpful tool in ensuring our animals were immunized before obtaining a license. Adding this important date to our calendars as a reminder is the solution and not relying on dog license renewal notifications to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Still, there will be times when Animal Services enforces leash laws, such as when a dog is found roaming freely in a public area or in cases of dog bites. Rabies vaccination certificates or tags must be available to prevent an animal’s impoundment and to avoid going to court.
I have added the city ordinance below for more clarification and specific details for your review.
6.05.180 Rabies vaccination required for dogs and cats.
Our vaccinated animals contribute to the safety and enjoyment of the community.
four months of age acquired by the owner or moved into the jurisdiction must be vaccinated within 30 days of purchase or arrival. Every dog shall be revaccinated thereafter every 24 months with a modified virus rabies vaccine approved by the Salt Lake Valley health department. This section shall not apply to veterinarians or kennel operators temporarily maintaining on their premises animals owned by others. [Ord. 22-25 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 9-16-97-2 § 2. Code 1997 § 13-3-38-1.]
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure our animals are vaccinated. By doing so, we not only protect our pets but also prevent the spread of diseases, contributing to our community’s overall health and safety.
“Rabies vaccination certificates or tags must be available to prevent an animal’s impoundment and to avoid going to court.”
The owner or person having the charge, care, custody and control of a dog or cat four months old or older shall have the animal vaccinated within 30 days after it reaches that age. Any person permitting any such animal to habitually be on or remain, or be lodged or fed within such person’s house, yard, or premises shall be responsible for the vaccination. Unvaccinated dogs or cats over
Riverton City is a wonderful place to live, and our vaccinated animals contribute to the safety and enjoyment of the community. I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to pet safety and public health. Your efforts are not only noticed but also deeply appreciated.
If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to contact Riverton Animal Services at 801-840-4000.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Families make their way around Riverton City Park visiting stations to get candy and participate in fun Easter activities including a photos with the Easter Bunny. Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m., Riverton City Park
Come learn the ins and outs of proper tree planting from an expert at Riverton City’s annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop. Free and open to all. Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. at Western Springs Park, 4570 Goshute Dr, Riverton, UT
Jordan School District High School Exhibition
High school students from across Jordan District are showing off their artistic talents with an art exhibit at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Exhibit
Dates: April 7-30, 2025 Open House: Monday, April 7, 6-8 p.m.
• Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/exhibits
Teen-Eggstreme
Teens age 13-18 can participate in an Easter scavenger hunt to win prizes. Clues will lead teens to safe, local destinations. Friday, April 18, Noon to 4 p.m.Register online for this free event at rivertonutah.gov/chase
Dumpsters for trash, cardboard and tree branches will help you with spring clean up! For Riverton resident use only. See details at rivertonutah.gov/beautiful. April 5 & April 12, Riverton City Park & Western Springs Park, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Spring Start Smart Sports Program
This program helps children and parents develop the skills necessary to have a positive start with sports. Parents will work one-on-one with their children during four 1-hour classes. Classes Start April 29.
• Register today at rivertonutah.gov/startsmart
Town Days Race Registration Now Open
Register now for this Town Days tradition! Whether you run by yourself or run with your family it’s a great way to enjoy Independence Day and Town Days Events. Three distances available 1 Mile, 5K and 10K races
• Register today at rivertonutah.gov/towndays
Free Tree Planting Workshop
Riverton City Annual Bunny Hop
Spring Clean - FREE Dumpsters
Chase