SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Board received an in-depth update on developments in the Northwest Quadrant (NWQ) during a presentation by Stephen Smith, Associate Vice President of Regional Project Area Development with UIPA. The discussion highlighted strategies to optimize opportunities in the rapidly growing area and emphasized the need for proactive planning, strategic investments, and robust collaboration.
“If we don’t have the right structure, we’re not going to be able to optimize a lot of the opportunities that are in front of us,” Smith said, opening the presentation.
Priorities for Development
Smith outlined UIPA’s focus on business recruitment, existing business expansion, and marketing the NWQ. The organization has responded to over 30 requests for information (RFIs) this year, participated in numerous site visits, and engaged in outreach missions to attract industries like life sciences and clean energy.
“Ultimately, [we are] working with companies to locate into the Northwest Quadrant. There’s a lot of time and effort spent on that,” he said.
Smith also emphasized the importance of supporting existing businesses such as Stadler and BD Medical, with two companies currently considering expansion in the area.
Marketing efforts for the NWQ include creating branded materials, gathering interviews, and launching an industry-specific campaign. “Our marketing team works very hard in gathering interviews, creating branding, and making sure we are creating materials to drive awareness of the Northwest Quadrant,” Smith said.
Infrastructure and Logistics Investments
Critical infrastructure developments, such as air cargo enhancements and rail expansion, are central to UIPA’s vision for the NWQ. Smith described the significance of logistics investments for attracting industries like biomedical manufacturing and clean energy.
“The investments and efforts around air cargo and logistics … will pay dividends in terms of helping to set the stage for the right business coming in,” he said.
“The investments and efforts around air cargo and logistics … will pay dividends in terms of helping to set the stage for the right business coming in.”
STEPHEN SMITH, UIPA
Smith also highlighted recent rail expansion achievements, including a connection south of I-80 to Stadler’s test track, and ongoing plans contingent on the North Temple landfill’s outcome.
Addressing Challenges
Truck parking remains a significant challenge in the NWQ and across the region. “We are still trying to find good opportunities for that. That’s finding the right land, the right partnership, and continuing to drive to find some solutions to that endeavor,” Smith explained.
Sustainability is another focus, with ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, address transit issues, and support the preservation of the Great Salt Lake shoreline. “This slide does not do justice to what’s happening in terms of sustainability in the Northwest Quadrant,” Smith said, emphasizing the work being done with the EPA Clean Ports Program and the Utah Division of Air Quality.
Life Sciences and Biohub Initiative
A key highlight of the presentation was UIPA’s plan to establish a life sciences and biomedical manufacturing hub in the NWQ. This proactive approach aims to leverage Utah’s growing reputation in the life sciences sector.
“We’re already recognized as an up-and-comer in the market in this, in life sciences. But as we always want to do, we want to punch above our weight here,” Smith said. “We believe … the Northwest Quadrant complements other areas of the state … we think the manufacturing needs to come to the Northwest Quadrant.”
The initiative is in its early stages, with a task force being formed to guide the strategy.
Board Response and Next Steps
Board members expressed support for the NWQ’s potential. Jefferson Moss, UIPA board member and majority leader for the Utah House of Representatives praised the region’s unique value, stating, “Whenever I mentioned the inland port and the proximity to air and car … rail and all of that right so close by, in almost an untouched area, people are blown away that this is even an option.”
Smith concluded with optimism, likening the many opportunities in the NWQ to “Christmas morning.”
“There’s so many things that we’ve got that are cool going on in the Northwest Quadrant that we really … need to spend more time, effort, and attention to drive forward,” he said.
The UIPA Board will continue to monitor and support these efforts, with further updates expected at future meetings.
Published: 12/12/24
Author: Kaitlin Felsted