“Two inland port projects have been approved in Tooele County, Utah. Supporters of the projects say they will bring economic diversification to the area, while opponents are concerned about the impact on water demand, wetlands, and the Great Salt Lake. The projects aim to transition freight from trucks to trains, which could improve air quality and traffic, although concerns about increased pollution and damage to Great Salt Lake wetlands persist.
Tooele County Council member Jared Hamner emphasized the importance of creating local employment and a diversified tax base, as currently, around 75% of the county’s adult residents commute elsewhere for work. The projects have faced opposition from local residents, who feel that community feedback has not been taken into consideration, and worry about the potential negative effects on quality of life.
The Tooele Valley project covers an area of 243 acres and is located south of the Great Salt Lake. It aims to bring manufacturing and logistics businesses to the area. The Grantsville City Council approved the Twenty Wells project, which covers 498 acres and does not have any wetlands. However, an abandoned rail spur that is intended to be rebuilt runs directly through Great Salt Lake wetlands.
Concerns have been raised about heavy truck traffic, pollution, and noise, as well as the impact on the Great Salt Lake’s wetlands and water use. The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) noted the importance of water constraints in the project plans and recommended creating a strategic plan for water. The port board also adopted a wetlands policy to dedicate 1% of its tax differential revenue to wetland mitigation for port sites with wetlands.
The projects are expected to attract companies focused on light industrial, manufacturing, and distribution, with UIPA collecting 75% of the boost to property tax revenue generated by construction in the project areas. However, concerns about the impact of these industries on the region’s water resources remain.
The historical background of this topic is deeply rooted in the ongoing debate about the preservation of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands, which are essential ecosystems for the region. The projects have sparked controversy and prompted protests from local residents and environmentalists who fear the long-term impact on the area’s natural resources and quality of life.”