Board Approves Resolution to Create Spanish Fork Verk Industrial Park
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the Verk Industrial Park Project Area resolution, creating Utah’s third inland port. The decision was made during UIPA’s board meeting held Monday, July 17, 2023, in Spanish Fork. This significant development project is set to tap into funding, resources and benefits provided by UIPA to foster economic growth and enhance the community as a whole.
Verk is Icelandic for work and is a nod to Spanish Fork’s Icelandic heritage. The Verk Industrial Park Project Area, situated west of the 1-15 corridor with direct access to the freeway via SR 77, holds a strategic location with excellent connectivity to Interstate 15, US Highway 6, Union Pacific rail and an adjacent General Aviation Municipal Airport. By leveraging these transportation assets, the project aims to improve freight movement, optimize logistical assets and create new opportunities throughout the region.
“We are honored to be invited by the city of Spanish Fork to help establish the Verk Industrial Park Project Area,” said Miles Hansen, UIPA Board Chair. “This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to drive positive change, foster economic growth and create a sustainable logistics future for both the local community and the broader region. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders to unlock the full potential of this project and deliver long-lasting benefits for generations to come.”
Utah County growth projections place it among the fastest growing counties in the state, solidifying it as the second most populated county after Salt Lake. Spanish Fork offers a unique advantage as a strategic hub for freight transportation to and from major ports such as LA and Long Beach. By leveraging its location, cargo that would typically pass through Utah County and Salt Lake County can be processed locally in Spanish Fork for efficient distribution.
“Spanish Fork has the opportunity to play a critical role in Utah’s economic and logistics strategy, without sacrificing its heritage and environment,” said Mike Mendenhall, Spanish Fork Mayor. “Progress is being made, while still protecting property owner rights and respecting sensitive lands. The Verk Industrial Park aligns perfectly with our city’s general plan and zoning objectives. Verk Industrial Park will be instrumental in creating an economic focal point for high-wage jobs, which will allow for enhanced economic opportunities and a better quality of life for those living in and around Spanish Fork. We are the ‘Home of Pride and Progress,’ where both can live in harmony.”
Utah County Commissioner, Brandon Gordon, emphasized the project’s significance in bolstering the regional economy and attracting high-tech advanced manufacturing jobs to the region, while also providing economic balance to the other strong industries in the County. “Sustainable growth in the Utah County region will require investments in multi-modal options for both public transportation and the movement of goods. This Project Area will allow regional businesses to better utilize its existing rail options and ensure less pollutants that stem from dependency on the roadways for truck transit,” he said.
The establishment of the Verk Industrial Park demonstrates UIPA’s commitment to facilitating appropriate development within Utah’s Inland Port jurisdictional land. As a state entity, UIPA has a unique role to coordinate a statewide economic development and logistics system to ensure long-term sustainability and statewide value. To learn more about the Spanish Fork Verk Industrial Park Project Area and UIPA in general, visit inlandportauthority.utah.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Allen at nicole@bwpcommunications.com or 801.884.3443.