At the One Utah Summit, Savage was awarded the Rural Investor Award in recognition of its bold investments in Utah’s rural infrastructure and transportation network. The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) was honored to nominate Savage, spotlighting its work to bolster multimodal connectivity and rural economic development.
“Multimodal and our transportation options are critical to our future. If we can help do that, not only do we take emissions out of our air, which is critical along the Wasatch Front, but we’re also creating better economic opportunities across the state of Utah,” said Ben Hart, UIPA Executive Director.
Hart also acknowledged the importance of partnerships across the rail industry:
“We’ve got several of our rail partners in the room, from Union Pacific to BNSF, who continue to make major investments here in Utah. But today we’re honoring a company that collaborates with all of them to strengthen the system for everyone. So, Mr. Savage, we welcome you forward to receive the Statewide Rural Investor Award.”
Savage has initiated key projects in Iron County, Tooele County, and beyond. One notable and recent effortis the opening of the new Savage Tooele Railroad, Utah’s first new short-line rail in over a century. These investments are reducing dependence on long-haul trucking, cutting emissions, and unlocking new economic opportunities in underserved regions of the state.
“I’m grateful that our business is based in Utah – a place where hard work, collaboration, and opportunity converge,” said Savage’s Vice Chairman of the Board John Savage. “We are proud to call Utah home now and into the future and are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our community, team members, and partners.”
Savage’s work demonstrates how private investment and public infrastructure goals can align to achieve environmental, social, and economic gains. The company’s expansion into rural Utah is not just about logistics — it’s about building stronger, more connected communities.
Published: 10/10/25
Author: Kaitlin Felsted