Questions about the Utah Inland Port Authority often come down to three things: who decides what can be built, how a project area is created and how public funds are used. Here is a brief explanation, with links to more detailed information.
Local governments make land use decisions
UIPA works with cities and counties that choose to partner with us. We can help plan and fund public infrastructure, improve rail and freight connections, and support economic development that aligns with local priorities.
UIPA does not zone property or issue development permits. Cities and counties retain those responsibilities and decide what land uses are allowed in their communities. Learn more about UIPA project areas and the local partnership process.
A project area starts with a public local request
A city or county begins the process by adopting a resolution at a public meeting asking UIPA to work on a project area plan. UIPA staff and the local government then prepare a draft plan for the UIPA board to review. The board considers the plan in two public meetings before deciding whether to adopt it.
An adopted project area moves into longer-term work, which can include infrastructure planning, business recruitment, environmental review, annual budgets and performance tracking. The priorities and proposed uses differ from one area to another. Readers can explore individual project areas and their plans on our website.
New tax revenue can be reinvested in the project area
UIPA’s primary funding tool is called tax differential. When a project area is created, the existing property tax base continues to go to the taxing entities. As property values grow, 75% of the new property tax revenue is directed to UIPA for uses tied to the project area, while 25% continues to flow to the taxing entities. Tax differential generated in a project area cannot be spent outside that area.
Those funds can help pay for roads, rail access, utilities, environmental mitigation, public safety and other eligible improvements. UIPA may also use financing tools, including infrastructure loans. Company incentives, when offered, are typically structured as reimbursements after the company meets agreed-upon commitments. Read a fuller explanation of tax differential and UIPA’s financial model.
Plans and decisions are available for review
Project area plans and budgets go through public board review, and project area budgets are adopted annually. Agendas and board documents are available on UIPA’s meetings and agendas page. The project areas page provides a starting point for looking up a specific area.
For a shorter version of this information, download UIPA’s one-page handout. Please share this article or the handout with anyone looking for a basic explanation of UIPA’s role.