Utah Inland Port resolution amendment up for consideration

The Eagle Mountain City Council is set to consider amending a previously approved resolution agreeing to allow the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), to explore economic development opportunities within an inland port project area.

This updated resolution formally authorizes the UIPA to begin the process of establishing an Inland Port Project Area in Eagle Mountain.

However, City officials emphasize that this designation does not mean Eagle Mountain will host a traditional shipping port, but rather, gain access to a set of economic development tools that can be used to attract businesses and create jobs within the community.

“This is about putting options on the table for the City,” said Economic Development Director Evan Berrett. “An inland port project area is a tool that can be used to bring high-paying jobs and critical infrastructure investment to Eagle Mountain. But it’s a tool that is only used if and when the City Council determines it aligns with our long-term goals.”

Unlike coastal ports that facilitate international shipping, Utah’s inland port system is designed to enhance economic development by supporting certain industries that fit a community’s needs. The establishment of an inland port project area in Eagle Mountain would allow the City to leverage state resources to attract large-scale commercial investment.

By moving forward with this resolution, the City is not committing to any specific developments or land uses. Instead, this step enables a structured approach to evaluating how an inland port project area could benefit the community.

“The misconception some people have is that this means a large shipping or distribution hub will be built in Eagle Mountain,” Berrett explained. “That’s simply not the case. What we’re looking at is a set of financial and infrastructure tools that can help bring the right kinds of businesses to our city. If we determine that this doesn’t make sense for us, we won’t move forward.”

The City’s partnership with the Utah Inland Port Authority offers potential benefits such as infrastructure funding, business recruitment incentives, and economic diversification. Further, utilization of UIPA’s development tools are projected to decrease traffic congestion in Eagle Mountain.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in Utah, Eagle Mountain is seeking ways to create more employment opportunities for residents and reduce the need for long commutes to neighboring cities.

“If an inland port project area proves to be viable, it could significantly increase our ability to attract businesses that provide high-paying jobs,” Berrett said. “It would also create new revenue streams that could be used to fund road improvements and other critical infrastructure.”

Neighboring communities Fairfield and Cedar Fort have already passed resolutions supporting the establishment of inland port project areas within their jurisdictions.

City officials stress that the designation of an inland port project area does not mean automatic implementation of development projects. Any use of the tools provided under this framework will be at the discretion of the City Council and subject to community input.

“We are committed to ensuring that any economic development efforts align with the needs and priorities of our residents,” Berrett emphasized. “We will evaluate each opportunity on its own merits and make informed decisions about how to move forward.”

As part of the exploratory process, representatives from the Utah Inland Port Authority will work closely with City leaders to provide data, answer questions and outline potential use cases for an inland port project area in Eagle Mountain.

“The Utah Inland Port Authority’s role has evolved beyond just transportation and shipping,” Berrett said. “They now work with communities to create customized economic development strategies that attract industries aligned with local goals.”

If approved, the next steps in the process will involve identifying targeted properties that would benefit from the toolset of the Utah Inland Port, evaluating the challenges at these properties that could be addressed by enhanced economic activity and the toolsets of the Utah Inland Port, and determining targeted industries and development types for those properties.

“This is about positioning Eagle Mountain for smart, sustainable growth,” Berrett said. “We owe it to our residents to explore every possible avenue for bringing jobs and investment to our city while maintaining the quality of life that makes Eagle Mountain unique.”

The Inland Port Authority will still need to sign off on the creation of the project area, formalize a project area plan incorporating direction from local officials, and then proceed with business recruitment efforts.