Two years after its official adoption, the Golden Spike Project Area is seeing significant development, including the opening of one major facility, the start of construction on another, and a strategic expansion of its boundaries.
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) board approved the project, which covers parts of Box Elder County including Brigham City, Garland, and Tremonton, on Aug. 21, 2023. Since then, the project has moved forward with industrial recruitment and has activated its financial mechanism for the first time.
On Oct. 7, 2024, the UIPA board approved the project’s first amendment, adding 550 acres to the area to provide more options for industrial development. As part of the amendment, a concurrent decision was made to increase the commitment of future tax revenue toward wetlands preservation.
This year has been marked by progress from two major companies. In Brigham City, Nucor Steel has started construction on a new Towers & Structures facility. The project represents a $200 million investment and is expected to create approximately 200 jobs. UIPA approved an incentive for the project, which includes a property tax rebate of up to 30% over 25 years.
In Garland, Lakeshore Learning held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 18, 2025, for its new 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center. The facility is expected to create between 500 and 550 new jobs. The project was supported by a public-private partnership that included UIPA tax rebates.
“Seeing the Lakeshore facility open while Nucor breaks ground is a tremendous milestone,” said Stephanie Pack, the project area’s associate vice president with UIPA. “This is a model for how we can work with local leaders to create long-term economic value and real opportunities for communities in Box Elder County.”
The completion of the Lakeshore Learning facility allowed UIPA to “trigger” the first parcel within the project area in June 2025. This action begins the collection of new property tax revenue generated specifically by the new development. The collected funds are designated for reinvestment within the Golden Spike area to support new infrastructure.
Author: Nick Archambault
Date: 08.26.25