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House unanimously approves redevelopment agency amendments allowing large industrial tracts to qualify
Summary
Representative Lockhart led passage of Senate Bill 245 to allow large industrial tracts (≥1,000 acres) to be treated like other industrial tracts for redevelopment with an exemption to the blight requirement and a 1,500‑foot buffer; the measure passed unanimously after supporters said taxing entity committee approval is still required for project funding.
Representative Lockhart moved to uncircle Senate Bill 245 and explained the proposal would allow very large industrial project areas (1,000 acres or more) to be treated similarly to other industrial tracts for redevelopment purposes while preserving an approval step: redevelopment agencies must still secure taxing‑entity committee approval for any project funding. The bill also extends a blight‑exemption buffer to 1,500 feet around the project area. Sponsors emphasized county and municipal stakeholders, the League of Cities and Towns, the Utah Association of Counties and the Taxpayers Association supported the concept.
During floor questions Representative Allen and others asked whether schools retained veto authority under a two‑thirds rule; the sponsor confirmed schools retain the same participation and vetoability. The Speaker disclosed a conflict of interest related to a firm client and then the House voted; S.B. 245 passed with an announced unanimous (70‑0) tally and was referred to the Senate for the president’s signature.
The debate focused on tightening the definition of blight, preserving oversight through taxing‑entity committees, and clarifying applicability to known large sites such as the Kennecott and Geneva Steel locations.
