A group of state lawmakers is defending a recent trip to Switzerland that caught the board of the Utah Transit Authority and Governor's Office of Economic Development off guard.
The Deseret News reports the state lawmakers say they play a role in building relationships with people who can help Utah grow economically, and that includes the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group.
Five Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Greg Hughes of Draper, traveled to Switzerland in September. They were joined by three lobbyists and two UTA board members.
UTA abruptly canceled a competitive bid when after learning that board members met with a prospective bidder in Switzerland.
Chairman H. David Burton said Monday that the UTA board did not know about the trip and probably would not have authorized it.
