The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) approved a second amendment to the Castle Country Project Area that would add 2,383 acres in Carbon County, bringing the total project area to 15,323 acres across Carbon County, Wellington City, Emery County and Green River City. The proposed addition includes land tied to Tyr Energy power projects, Wildcat Rail Expansion and county-owned property adjacent to the Savage Rail Terminal.
The Castle Country Project Area was originally approved June 24, 2024, and first amended Jan. 6, 2025. The area is intended to support regional economic development and strengthen logistics infrastructure in Carbon and Emery counties and Green River City.
“This amendment builds on the infrastructure already in place across Castle Country and creates more room for the kind of investment that can strengthen freight access, support industry and grow long-term opportunity in the region,” said Jenna Draper, associate vice president of regional project area development with the UIPA.
Castle Country Project Area is a collection of development-ready sites connected by Interstate 70, U.S. 6 and State Route 10, with access to rail infrastructure that local leaders say is currently underutilized. The plan is designed to help diversify the regional economy, support high-wage job growth and build on existing transportation and utility assets.
“Castle Country is about using this region’s existing assets more effectively and creating opportunities that strengthen the local economy while improving how freight moves through southeastern Utah,” said Shanny Wilson, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Carbon County.
In Carbon County, the plan points to Ridge Road as a strategic area for growth because of its access to Highway 6, State Route 10 and Class I freight rail. In Green River, the project could help redirect truck traffic away from Main Street. In Emery County, the project is framed as part of a broader effort to respond to the decline of the coal industry and attract new industry near the San Rafael Energy Research Center.
Published: 04/24/26
Author: Kaitlin Felsted