Commission approves nonbinding letter supporting airport's advanced air mobility efforts; measure passes 2-1

The Utah County Commission voted 2-1 on Oct. 22 to approve a nonbinding letter expressing county interest in exploring advanced air mobility and economic development at a local air park that is part of a state-designated inland port project.

Supporters said the project could allow movement of goods and services without adding heavy truck traffic to county roads. One commissioner said the air park and its associated entities have received state funding "millions of dollars" and have an active LLC and a nonprofit working with the community. That commissioner said they would continue working with the airport and the Fairfield mayor's office to ensure the project's details "cross the t's and dot the i's," and asked the commission to pass the letter so staff could forward it while negotiations continue.

Opponents raised concerns about the quick turnaround on the item and the need for more engagement with local stakeholders; the motion passed 2-1. The approving commissioners described the measure as nonbinding and not a choice between competing local interests, saying it simply signals the county's interest in exploring economic opportunity while continuing discussions to resolve disputes between the airport and Fairfield.

The motion was approved and recorded in the meeting as passing 2 to 1.