UTA CEO Allegra to retire

Michael Allegra announced yesterday that he will retire Aug. 28 from his post as president and chief executive officer of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA).

He'll continue serving as a senior adviser to UTA's chair through March 2016, agency officials said in a press release.

Allegra began his career as a transportation engineer with the Wasatch Front Regional Council before moving to the UTA, where he's worked for the past 37 years. He was named the agency's general manager in 2010.

Jerry Benson, UTA's vice president of operations, will serve as the agency's interim general manager.

"The board extends its deepest appreciation to Michael Allegra for his many years of exemplary service," said H. David Burton, UTA's chair. "He has dedicated his career to the Wasatch Front community and we wish to thank him for his service to UTA and his devotion to public transit."

Allegra played an "integral role" in developing the agency's rail system and oversaw the FrontLines 2015 project, which included construction of four light-rail lines and one commuter line, UTA officials said.

In May, Allegra spoke with Progressive Railroading about FrontLines, along with the agency's other initiatives.