This spring, UIPA’s Clean ports team selected SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) as the contractor to lead the Workforce Impact Analysis at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal (SLCIT).
This analysis will assess workforce-related impacts and opportunities created by the potential future electrification of vehicles and equipment serving the SLCIT. It forms part of the Climate and Air Quality Planning (CAQP) grant that UIPA was awarded through the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean Ports Program in 2024.
SWCA is a global environmental consulting firm that delivers services in multiple areas including environmental planning and compliance, economic and workforce analysis, and energy modernization. The firm emerged as the top applicant during an RFP evaluation process carried out by environmental professionals from both UIPA and the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ).
For this project, SWCA has subcontracted with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (Stantec), a global firm specializing in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. SWCA will lead workforce engagement and economic modeling, while Stantec, an international leader in zero-emission transition planning, will provide support through an analysis of SCLIT electrification pathways.
“SWCA and Stantec bring extensive experience modeling workforce impacts, creating zero-emission transition plans, and engaging a range of stakeholders – including for projects right here in Salt Lake City.” said Mona Smith, UIPA’s Environmental and Sustainability Director and Clean Ports Project Manager. “These firms are a great fit for this project and we are excited to partner on this effort.”
SWCA, Stantec, UIPA, and DAQ have already begun to collaborate on this analysis. The first step is identifying key stakeholders to engage, such as current SLCIT employees, communities living near the terminal, and local educational institutions.
“We are excited to be working with UIPA and Stantec on this important project,” said Dr. Jeff Wakefield, SWCA’s director of Economics and the project lead. “We look forward to using our expertise in economic modeling, stakeholder engagement, and zero-emissions planning to support the Clean Ports Program’s workforce impact analysis.”
One key outcome from this effort will be a set of recommendations on how to best design zero-emissions workforce training programs for SLCIT employees. Funds for workforce training are available through a parallel Clean Ports Program grant that DAQ received in 2024, the Zero-Emissions Technology Deployment (ZETD) grant.
“UIPA will be able to share findings from the workforce impact analysis with DAQ, to help inform Clean Ports-funded workforce training programs,” said Smith. “This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that the SLCIT workforce is fully supported as vehicles and equipment begin to electrify.”
Published: May 25, 2026