SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) has selected WSP, a consulting firm specializing in urban planning and development analysis, to conduct a comprehensive Baseline Study of the port authority jurisdictional land and the surrounding Northwest Quadrant of Salt Lake City. The study, funded at a cost of $400,000, aims to provide critical data on current development trends and their potential impacts on the region.
“This Baseline Study is a vital step in ensuring responsible and sustainable growth for the Northwest Quadrant,” said Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA. “WSP’s expertise will be invaluable as we work to understand the current dynamics and plan for the future.”
The Baseline Study will evaluate existing development patterns and their projected effects on the area, focusing on traffic trends, potential health impacts, and community and environmental considerations. By leveraging existing data related to building permits, infrastructure requests, and environmental factors, the study will provide a clear picture of the current trajectory and potential outcomes if development continues unchanged. The initiative is a collaborative effort between UIPA and Salt Lake City, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible development.
“We are excited to partner with UIPA and Salt Lake City on this important project,” said Shannon Bond, Senior Vice President, Utah Business Leader. “The Baseline Study is essential for understanding the current dynamics of the Northwest Quadrant and laying the foundation for sustainable and equitable growth. Our team is dedicated to providing a thorough and insightful analysis that will inform key decisions for the future of this important area.”
The selection of WSP followed a competitive process, ensuring that both UIPA and Salt Lake City had equal input in the decision. This partnership is formalized in the First Amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between UIPA, Salt Lake City Corporation, and the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA). This amendment emphasizes a shift from separate impact assessments to a more integrated approach, focused on a holistic understanding of current conditions and the development of a shared vision for the future.
“This collaboration with UIPA and WSP on the Baseline Study demonstrates our commitment to working together to address the complex issues in the Northwest Quadrant,” said Victoria Petro, a representative for Salt Lake City government. “We look forward to the findings and using them to guide future development decisions that benefit our community.”
Following the Baseline Study, UIPA and WSP will collaborate on developing a “Preferred Scenario.” This scenario will outline a desired future development path, considering the findings of the Baseline Study, UIPA’s Logistics Study, and Sustainability Study, as well as stakeholder objectives. The Preferred Scenario will include potential projects and investments to guide resource allocation and identify possible changes to Salt Lake City’s Northwest Quadrant Plan. The findings and recommendations will be presented to the Salt Lake City Council and the UIPA Board for potential adoption, with opportunities for public comment.
Published: March 24, 2025
Author: Kaitlin Felsted