One of the biggest assets for Utah is our exceptional quality of life, and logistics directly play a role in that. UIPA is a responsible steward of our community and environment, and can insert the public value into the logistics process. We work to keep local communities informed on planning, progress, and issues related to UIPA activities and partnerships.
Community Efforts
While the Port Authority does not have land use authority, we exist to mitigate and influence how things are built in our jurisdiction. Development would have happened whether or not UIPA was created, and we seize the opportunity to choose and influence how the development takes place. For example, recently completed buildings exceeded efficiency and sustainability standards by installing more BEV (battery-electric vehicle) charging infrastructure and renewable energy systems than required.
Additionally, the Port Authority is actively working with the National Audubon Society to secure and preserve the land that municipalities have designated and zoned as natural areas. Additionally, UIPA and Audubon are working to impose a buffer to separate and protect the critical shorebird and related habitat of the Great Salt Lake.
We are working closely with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality – the environmental regulator in the state – on implementing best practices to meet and exceed federal and state standards. This comes through sustainable logistics, development, and industry. Along with more than 100 leaders from the state’s business, government, faith, and civic institutions, UIPA signed the Utah Climate and Clean Air Compact in October 2020. We are also working with AVF Energy, Utah Clean Cities Coalition, ASPIRE, Utah Division of Water Quality, and Salt Lake City Water Management Planning.
We plan to propose policies and programs with other state and local agencies to encourage community-friendly development in the area. Some examples may include vehicle route restrictions, construction dust and noise guidelines, development practices that minimize noise, light, and vibration, community betterment policies, safety improvement plans, community daycare and afterschool grants, community facility grants, and community tree-planting grants.