Tooele County Commission tables resolution on Utah Inland Port expansion after public objections

Tooele County Commission members voted May 2025 to amend the meeting agenda and table Resolution 2025-07, a measure to support an Inland Port Authority project area in Tooele County, after public comment and questions from commissioners.

Public comment raised concerns about water availability, economic viability and ongoing litigation around the Utah Inland Port Authority. Terry Durfee, a lifelong Tooele County resident, told commissioners she had not seen a hydrological study demonstrating available water and said, “water rights does not equal available water.” She also said she had not seen “a reasonable report on the economic viability of the current port location,” and noted there is “still active litigation regarding the constitutionality of the Utah Inland Port Authority.”

The motion to amend the agenda and table Resolution 2025-07 was made by Councilman Wardle and seconded by Councilman Stromberg. The chair called the vote and the motion carried, amending the agenda to remove the resolution from consideration so commissioners could obtain further information.

Commission discussion and the public comments were distinct: residents gave reasons they opposed expansion, and commissioners responded by requesting more time and information rather than taking formal action on the resolution. The chair and Wardle said additional materials must be posted online and reviewed before the commission considers the measure.

No final policy or commitment to support or oppose the Inland Port Authority was adopted on the record; the item was tabled and will return to a future agenda when requested information is available.