The Utah Inland Port Authority met with environmental, business and other stakeholders Wednesday to discuss its strategy moving forward.
To inform its business plan, the port authority received public input from 3,000 surveys, from open houses and from stakeholder meetings. Common concerns emerged around air quality, traffic and a desire for high-paying jobs.
Last year,protestors demonstrated at the authority’s board meetings in opposition of any development at the port. As the port moves forward, Executive Director Jack Hedge said they also value hearing from those people.
“We actively seek those who disagree with us and actively seek their input,” Hedge said. “It’s an important voice to hear.”
The business plan relies on the authority’s ability to collect property taxes to help fund the building of warehouses, manufacturing and distribution centers on the northwest side of Salt Lake County.
Hedge said that will allow them to be environmentally sustainable while connecting Utah to the global economy.
“It really is forward-looking and forward-thinking in trying to promote Utah as the place in North America for sustainable, smart logistics,” he said.
The port authority is scheduled to unveil its business plan May 21. Then, board members will meet May 27 to consider the plan. The public comment period is open from May 21 through June 3.
Emily Means covers politics for KUER. Follow her on Twitter @Em_Means13