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Senate backs creation of an Intermountain Port Authority after narrowing original powers
Summary
Senate passed a narrowed substitute creating an Intermountain Port Authority to promote export/import development; sponsors removed eminent‑domain, bonding and acquisition authorities and set a sunset for review. The bill passed the floor 27–1 and will return on third reading.
The Senate approved a substitute version of Senate Bill 78 that would establish an Intermountain Port Authority to promote export and import economic development in Utah.
Senator Okey and other sponsors said the original filing had prompted industry concern — particularly from freight carriers and trucking interests — so the committee produced a narrowed substitute that removes explicit powers to acquire facilities, issue bonds or exercise eminent domain. The substitute instead charges an authority with promotion, coordination, and producing a business plan; the bill sets a sunset date (July 1, 1993) so the Legislature can review the authority’s plan before any expansion of powers.
Floor amendments removed a mandatory per‑diem for board members and made travel reimbursement discretionary; senators discussed board composition and oversight, auditing and the requirement that the authority produce a business plan before pursuing major actions. Supporters said the model exists in other inland states and could position Utah competitively; opponents cautioned about public costs and board compensation. The clerk recorded the floor vote as 27 ayes, 1 nay and 1 absent.
