Cedar City, Utah – Industry leaders emphasized the role of rail infrastructure in driving Utah’s economic growth and improving logistics during a panel discussion Tuesday at the One Utah Summit. The session, titled “A Case for Rail,” brought together representatives from Union Pacific, Savage, and Patriot Rail to explore the impact of rail on the state’s economy and rural communities.
“Rail is such a tremendous asset for economic development in rural areas, where access to raw materials and outbound markets can make or break a business,” said Danny Stewart, associate vice president of regional project area development at the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and the panel’s moderator.
The discussion focused on the strategic importance of rail for logistics efficiency and job creation.
Nathan Anderson, senior director of public affairs for Union Pacific, outlined the company’s operations in Utah, where it maintains 1,200 miles of track and employs over 1,000 people. “We connect things to build America,” Anderson said, stressing the role of rail in moving goods across the country.
Phillip Hoskins, vice president of business development at Savage, noted that rail plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods, particularly for companies that might not have their own rail infrastructure. “Transload terminals provide a cost-effective way for businesses to access rail without the need for their own rail spurs, allowing them to take advantage of the economics of rail,” Hoskins said.
The panel also discussed how rail improvements could empower rural Utah. Shawn Mildrup, regional vice president of business development for Patriot Rail, said expanding rail lines in areas like Tooele County is helping attract businesses and create jobs. “Rail can give rural communities the connectivity they need to thrive,” Mildrup said.
Panelists acknowledged challenges, such as federal regulations and misconceptions about rail’s viability. Despite this, Anderson said Union Pacific is making substantial investments in the state. “We’re putting hundreds of millions of dollars into infrastructure to support future demand,” he said.
Hoskins emphasized rail’s potential to address some of Utah’s key challenges, including air quality and traffic congestion. “Rail is four times more fuel-efficient than trucks and produces far fewer emissions,” he said.
The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. Hoskins praised UIPA for its partnerships with private companies to advance key rail projects. “It’s refreshing to see this level of collaboration to get projects across the finish line,” he said.
Stewart noted that UIPA’s partnerships with companies like Union Pacific, Savage, and Patriot Rail are critical to Utah’s long-term economic development strategy. “We’re building a statewide rail network that will benefit both urban and rural communities,” Stewart said.
Author: Kaitlin Felsted
Published: October 10, 2024