EM City begins exploring partnership with Utah Inland Port Authority
The Eagle Mountain City Council unanimously approved a resolution to partner with the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Tuesday night, taking a step toward exploring the potential benefits of establishing an inland port area within the city.
This decision initiates a formal evaluation period in which City officials, in collaboration with UIPA, will determine whether an inland port designation could attract businesses, create jobs and diversify the local tax base.
The decision does not commit the City to any specific course of action but rather allows for careful study of the potential impacts.
“This is about gathering information and understanding if an inland port area would be a good fit for Eagle Mountain,” says City Economic Development Director Evan Berrett. “If we find that the benefits don’t outweigh the costs, we won’t move forward.”
Unlike traditional coastal ports, inland port areas serve as economic development tools rather than physical shipping hubs. They are designed to attract industrial and commercial projects, leveraging transportation infrastructure to support businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and distribution.
Utah has already seen success with inland port areas contributing to significant economic growth in various regions, including Juab and Iron counties.
Eagle Mountain joins neighboring municipalities Fairfield and Cedar Fort in taking this step. Both cities have passed similar resolutions to explore the feasibility of inland port areas within their jurisdictions, signaling a regional effort to strengthen local economies.
“If an inland port area proves to be viable, it could bring in new industries and high-paying jobs,” Berrett says. “This would not only support local businesses but also provide much-needed funding for road improvements and other critical infrastructure.”
By working with the UIPA, Eagle Mountain gains access to state-level resources that can help attract targeted industries.
The city will also have the ability to determine what types of businesses are the best fit and whether incentives should be offered to encourage investment.
“This is a proactive way to shape economic growth in a way that benefits our residents,” said Berrett. “We want to bring in businesses that align with our vision for the future and provide long-term value.”
While the economic opportunities are promising, City officials stress that they will also be considering environmental and quality-of-life factors.
The exploratory phase will include data collection, discussions with industry experts and community engagement.
For now, the City remains focused on gathering facts and weighing its options.
“This is an opportunity to take a closer look at something that could have a major impact on our city’s future,” said Berrett. “We owe it to our residents to do our due diligence and make the best possible decision for Eagle Mountain.”