Approved by the UIPA Board on April 4, 2023, the project began with a vision to develop a sustainable industrial park and transportation hub. Key goals included enhancing railroad access for local businesses, diversifying the economy, generating high-quality jobs, increasing the local tax base, and improving the overall quality of life in Iron County.
Over the past two years, the Iron Springs project has achieved significant milestones. Two crucial railroad transloading facilities – the BZI Innovation Park’s transload operator and the Savage Cedar City Transload facility – became operational, providing vital train-to-truck services for materials including dimensional products like steel and lumber, as well as dry and liquid bulk commodities. These facilities enhance connectivity for businesses throughout southwestern Utah.
Commercial development is also underway, highlighted by the construction of BZI’s Nautilus 1, a 67,000-square-foot speculative industrial building. Furthermore, the project gained strategic recognition in April 2024 when BZI Innovation Park, within the project area, was designated as part of Union Pacific’s Focus Site program.
April 4th, 2025, marks the two-year anniversary of the official establishment of the Iron Springs Project Area, Utah’s first rural inland port, located in Iron County. The collaborative initiative between the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and Iron County aims to bolster the region’s economic development and logistical capabilities, while promoting sustainable, long-term growth.
As the Iron Springs Inland Port marks its second anniversary, it stands as a significantly expanded project with established infrastructure and ongoing development, poised to continue pursuing its goals for southern Utah’s economic future.
Notably, on August 1, 2024, the UIPA Board adopted an amendment to the Iron Springs Project Area Plan. This officially expanded the project area by approximately 1,394 acres, incorporating the Silver Hills Industrial Park, Lakeside Industrial Park, and the Turf Farm area, bringing the total project size to roughly 2,300 acres.
Published: 04/04/25
Author: Nick Archambault