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Utah Inland Port Authority tells lawmakers it's expanding statewide logistics work, cites remediation and a $112.5M environmental grant
Summary
UIPA executive director Ben Hart told the committee the authority now has 15 project areas in 17 counties, highlighted rail and air-cargo projects that reduce truck trips, described North Temple remediation progress, and said UIPA helped secure a roughly $112.5 million federal environmental grant.
Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority, presented the authority's statewide strategy to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee, emphasizing logistics investments, environmental remediation and local partnerships.
Hart said UIPA aims to strengthen rail access, intermodal gateways and air-cargo optimization while working through local communities rather than exercising land use authority. "We do not and do not want zoning, land use authority, permitting," Hart said, explaining that tax differential tools (tax increment) and public infrastructure districts are the primary financing mechanisms used to invest in project areas.
Hart highlighted several infrastructure outcomes: a Delta Airlines partnership to build a new 48,000-square-foot cargo facility at Salt Lake City International Airport; rail investments in Iron County with BZI and Savage that Hart said removed an estimated "somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 trucks" from roads and another project in Tooele expected to shift 4,000–5,000 truck trips to rail annually. He also described North Temple remediation, noting UIPA acquired a former landfill in February and is mid-way through phase one remediation.
On environmental funding, Hart said UIPA and partners helped secure one of the largest environmental grants in state history, about $112,500,000, targeted at disadvantaged communities on Salt Lake City's west side. He framed the work as a combination of economic opportunity and environmental stewardship and said UIPA has strengthened internal finance and audit controls after a previously critical audit.
Committee members asked whether imagery in UIPA's outreach suggested wind projects; Hart responded that the authority aligns with state energy policy and can exclude parcels for projects not consistent with local or state priorities.
Ending: Hart closed by listing UIPA's board and leadership and stating the authority believes its model can support economic growth across the state while remaining transparent and compliant.
