What is UIPA’s position on data centers?

As data centers draw increased attention across the country, the Utah Inland Port Authority is taking a measured and transparent approach. Any conversation about future development must reflect Utah’s priorities: economic competitiveness, responsible growth, community health and protection of the state’s natural resources. 

UIPA’s purpose is to strengthen Utah’s transportation network and regional economies by supporting logistics, infrastructure and manufacturing growth while protecting sensitive lands and the Great Salt Lake. UIPA will not risk those resources, or the integrity of the organization, by fast-tracking data center development.

Is UIPA recruiting data centers or offering them financial incentives?

No. UIPA is not actively recruiting data centers to its project areas and is not providing financial incentives to data centers. However, data centers and developers are actively looking for opportunities across the state, that includes some Port Project Areas. Before providing  financial support for any data center project, the Port is dedicated to ensuring that we are aligned with the local community and the State of Utah.

With the considerable activity of data centers it is possible that a facility could be developed in a UIPA project area without receiving financial support or involvement from the Port. This is particularly true as the UIPA does not have land-use authority.

UIPA also supports and adheres to data center moratoriums enacted by local communities. Any future UIPA involvement would require local support, careful review and compliance with applicable state laws and policies.

How does state policy guide UIPA’s approach?

During the 2026 legislative session, the Utah Legislature adopted HB 507, which was signed by the governor and establishes state policy regarding data centers. UIPA will operate within the parameters of that law.

UIPA also fully adheres to Gov. Spencer Cox’s Executive Order 2026-03, which addresses state support for data centers, including incentives and Regionally Significant Development zones described in Utah Code sections 17C-6, 63N-3a and 11-41.

What is UIPA’s role in the Tooele Valley developments?

Recent reporting created the inaccurate impression that UIPA owns land in Tooele Valley and is recruiting a data center. UIPA is neither the landowner nor the developer, and it is not seeking a data center for the area.

Two separate developments are involved:

• Interstate Business Park is the original 243-acre, rail-served development within the Tooele Valley Project Area. A separate government entity, the Tooele Valley Public Infrastructure District, has issued $33 million in bonds to finance roads, water, sewer and other public infrastructure serving the business park. The district issued those bonds, not UIPA. The financing does not represent UIPA funding or approval for a data center.
• Interstate Technology Park is a newer, adjacent 343-acre development proposed to include data centers. UIPA has not pledged or approved incentives, infrastructure funding or other support for the technology park.

Tooele County’s data center moratorium remains in effect. Land-use authority belongs to Tooele County, which determines whether proposed uses are allowed and whether projects receive zoning, permitting or other local approvals.

UIPA will respect the county’s moratorium and support the county’s direction, not individual developer proposals. Any potential future UIPA involvement would require demonstrated local support, compliance with HB 507 and the governor’s executive order, public discussion and approval through UIPA’s established process.

Who decides whether a data center can be built?

Local governments do.

UIPA does not zone property, approve land uses, issue permits or determine which developments are allowed within a project area. Those decisions remain with cities and counties and are made through their established public processes.

UIPA works with local governments and other stakeholders to ensure project area development reflects community priorities. Local support, public input and environmental review are built into UIPA’s process from the beginning.

Will UIPA prioritize data centers over Utah’s natural resources?

No. UIPA will not prioritize data center development over Utah’s water, air quality, wetlands or other natural resources.

UIPA will continue dedicating revenue to the protection and enhancement of the Great Salt Lake and expects any proposed development to provide transparent information about water consumption, energy demand, infrastructure needs and potential environmental impacts.

What safeguards are included in UIPA’s process?

UIPA’s process includes several safeguards and investments designed to protect natural resources:

• Environmental review before project area creation. A proposed Project Area Plan must include an environmental review addressing natural, cultural and heritage resources.
• Project-specific review. Environmental impacts are evaluated based on the specific uses proposed by the community.
• Wetlands preservation investments. UIPA has dedicated millions of dollars to wetlands preservation and enhancement along the Great Salt Lake shoreline.
• Clean-air investments. UIPA has partnered with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality on a $112.4 million grant initiative supporting cleaner equipment, infrastructure and air-quality planning around the Northwest Quadrant Project Area.
• Natural resource protections. UIPA has adopted policies addressing wetlands, water conservation and other sensitive natural resources near its project areas. 

How does a new UIPA project area begin?

The process must begin locally:

1. A local government holds a public meeting and formally invites UIPA to consider creating a project area through an adopted resolution.
2. The local meeting includes an opportunity for public comment.
3. UIPA expects the local government to demonstrate support before the UIPA board considers the proposal.
4. UIPA holds an initial public meeting where the proposed Project Area Plan is presented and public comment is received. No action is taken at this meeting.
5. The proposed plan is posted on UIPA’s website at least 10 days before the initial review meeting.
6. Between meetings, UIPA engages with stakeholders to hear concerns, answer questions and revise the plan when appropriate.
7. UIPA holds a subsequent public meeting where the plan is presented again, additional public comment is received and the board may consider approval.

Does this public process put economic opportunities at risk?

UIPA has found that transparency does not cost Utah economic opportunities. A clear and open process helps build trust, address concerns early and produce stronger long-term outcomes for communities.

While speed may matter in some economic development discussions, it cannot replace responsible review, public involvement or local decision-making.

What will guide UIPA’s decisions moving forward?

UIPA will continue coordinating with the Governor’s Office, Utah State Legislature, local governments and other stakeholders to support consistent communication about economic development, natural resource protection, community engagement and Utah’s long-term competitiveness.

UIPA’s purpose is not to attract data centers to the state. Any involvement by UIPA will be determined by local priorities and evaluated under HB 507, the governor’s executive order and UIPA’s established public process.

The standard is straightforward: Growth should pay its way, water use should be transparent, power needs should be planned, and communities should receive lasting public benefits without compromising environmental or human health.