Issue Position: Inland Port

Issue Position

Currently, there are no inland ports in the western United States. Utah will be the first, which gives us a competitive advantage. (Reno and Phoenix are also interested in becoming inland ports.) Currently, a cargo ship from China takes 16 days to cross the Pacific, then languishes at port in Long Beach, Portland, etc. for 24-48 days before clearing customs. When we become a port, containers will come in full to SLC to clear customs. We hope that they will go out full as well with Utah products. As the Crossroads of the West, SLC's Northwest quadrant is uniquely situated to handle rail, interstate, and air cargo from one hub. The SL City Council approved the bill after the legislature removed some wetlands and farmlands areas from port boundaries. The state has agreed to meet or exceed DEQ standards on environmental issues. The bill also established a Collective Impact Board with all stakeholders represented.The bill states that 10% of profits that fall to the state from the inland port will go toward affordable housing. The Inland Port is a generational project that will affect the global supply chain. Utah's growing population will benefit from it.

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