Micro in Theory.
Huge in Scale.
A UIPA project area is a long-term, locally driven partnership between a local community and the state of Utah. We act as an infrastructure and economic development partner for communities that want to grow but lack the heavy public infrastructure required to support high-paying industries.
UIPA Current Project Area Locations
Click on the logos to learn more about each site
Our Vision: Right-Sized Logistical Investment
Logistical infrastructure should serve the community, not overwhelm it. Our vision is focused on right-sized growth, ensuring investment only occurs after local economies are positioned to leverage the value of new assets. By building rail-connected hubs across the state, we transition freight from long-haul diesel trucks directly to trains. This targeted approach supports statewide supply chains, preserves rural character, and actively reduces highway congestion and emissions.
The Business Advantage:
Financing Your Expansion
UIPA does not subsidize private developer costs. Instead, we offer a toolkit of specialized public financing tools to help businesses fund the foundational public infrastructure needed to get their projects off the ground.
Authority Infrastructure Bank (AIB) Loans:
The AIB operates as a revolving loan fund, providing low-interest loans—typically 0.5% above Utah's AAA bond rate—for public infrastructure projects within UIPA boundaries.
Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs):
PIDs are independent governmental entities created to finance public infrastructure like roads and sewer systems. Created only with the unanimous consent of 100% of affected property owners.
Targeted, Post-Performance Incentives:
Businesses that meet strict high-wage job creation and performance goals may qualify for post-performance property tax rebates.
How We Fund Infrastructure: Growth Pays for Growth
The UIPA does not levy new taxes on residents. We utilize Tax Increment Financing (property tax differential), which captures the economic uplift created by new development.
Baseline Taxes are 100% Protected:
The existing tax revenues that fund your local schools, fire departments, and municipal services remain completely untouched.
We Only Capture New Growth:
We do not capture taxes on empty dirt. We only capture a portion of the new property tax revenue generated after a facility finishes construction, opens its doors, and the county officially assesses the property at its new, higher value.
Strict Public Reinvestment:
75% of this new, incremental revenue is directed to UIPA to finance public infrastructure (roads, rail, sewer, utilities), while the remaining 25% flows immediately to local taxing entities to provide them with increased funding.
The 4 part process we follow
when establishing a UIPA project area
The 4 part process we follow
when establishing a UIPA project area
The Utah Inland Port Authority works in partnership with municipalities and counties throughout the project area process.
1. Resolve
A municipality or county can request UIPA commence work on drafting a project area plan. The municipality or county adopts a project area resolution in a public meeting.
2. Draft
UIPA staff work with the municipality or county to develop a project area plan or amend a project area plan for the UIPA board to review in at least 2 public UIPA board meetings.
3. Adopt
The UIPA board may adopt a project area or project area amendment in a public meeting.
4. Build & Measure
This phase will take 25 years to complete. During this phase, construction, development, and recruitment will occur in the project area. Project area budgets are annually prepared and adopted by the UIPA board. In addition, project area KPIs are reported and shared.
Strict Guardrails for Every Project
To protect local taxpayers, preserve community character, and ensure environmental stewardship, every project area operates under strict statutory boundaries:
DO Require Local Consent:
A project area cannot exist without the formal, written consent of the local municipality or county's legislative body.
DON'T Override Local Zoning:
The UIPA does not change or dictate local land use regulations. Development must align closely with the local town or county's established zoning and general plans.
DO Mandate Environmental Compliance:
We do not offer environmental exemptions. All projects within UIPA boundaries are subject to strict federal, state, and municipal environmental and water-use regulations.
The 4 part process we follow
when establishing a UIPA project area
The 4 part process we follow
when establishing a UIPA project area
The Utah Inland Port Authority works in partnership with municipalities and counties throughout the project area process.