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Landowners largely support Stratos; residents raise traffic, water and transparency concerns
Summary
During public comment dozens of nearby landowners and residents responded to the MIDA Stratos presentation: many landowners voiced support citing jobs and local revenue, while others asked for more transparency and raised concerns about traffic, water and local impacts.
Public comment at the April 22 meeting focused heavily on the proposed Stratos project area. Several landowners and ranching families who own property in Locomotive Springs, Hansel Valley and surrounding areas said they back the project because of potential employment and revenue; Ann Varner told the Commission, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and feels it will have a good impact on the state of Utah and Box Elder County. They are for it." Several other landowners (including those employed in defense contractors) said the county's broadband and pipeline assets are underused and that the project could bring much‑needed economic activity.
Opposing or cautious voices raised recurring concerns: Kent Hyer said he was "concerned about three things: (1) the amount of traffic being brought into the area, (2) power being used from the Ruby Pipeline and the possibility of raising electrical prices, and (3) taking the brining water used for cooling." Other speakers cited road safety, aquifer reach, noise, and a desire for more public notice and clarity about long‑term impacts. Commissioners acknowledged the mixed input and said they wanted more study before granting final consent.
