The Utah Inland Port Authority, a target of criticism from environmentalists and others since its formation, is moving on a pair of initiatives aimed at improving air quality and preserving shoreline at Salt Lake City’s Northwest Quadrant.

UIPA recently approved a $2.5 million grant to the Utah Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife Resources to buy property near the southeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake to create buffer zones to protect wetlands and wildlife habitats. The same day, it held an event with other state agencies marking the award of $112.4 million to be used to switch conventional diesel equipment operations to incorporate electric trucks and other actions at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal.

UIPA’s 16,000-acre project area in the Northwest Quadrant is near the Salt Lake City International Airport.

UIPA said the GSL funding is part of its ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, buffering ongoing development in the Northwest Quadrant jurisdiction area to ensure protection of lake ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

“Protecting the Great Salt Lake is a top priority,” said Ben Hart, UIPA’s executive director. “Today’s approval is a significant step forward in our mission to ensure development near the lake benefits both our economy and the environment.”

UDWR will use the funds to buy the buffer zone land and manage the property in perpetuity for waterfowl conservation, open space and habitat restoration. The grant aligns with UIPA’s strategy to use a portion of primary municipal funds for mitigation projects, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Utah’s natural resources. The wetlands and habitats are deemed vital for sustaining migratory bird populations and local wildlife.

“This grant will play a critical role in preserving vital wetland habitats around the Great Salt Lake now and for generations to come,” said Jack Ray, president of the Utah Waterfowl Association. “As an organization dedicated to protecting waterfowl and their habitats, we are grateful for UIPA’s commitment to both wildlife and sustainable development.”

The division will use the grant exclusively for land acquisition and related expenses, including title insurance, appraisals and closing costs. A restrictive covenant will be placed on the property to ensure its conservation, with any changes in use requiring UIPA’s approval.

“The Great Salt Lake is a unique and invaluable resource, not only for Utah but for the entire western region,” said Brian Steed, Great Salt Lake commissioner. “The approval of this grant highlights the power of partnership in addressing one of the state’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

“This collaboration with UIPA strengthens our conservation goals and secures crucial habitat areas around the Great Salt Lake,” said Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a meaningful step toward sustaining the ecosystem for future generations.”

The plan for the division to use the funds for land acquisition was the focus of a media briefing in late September at the lake by UIPA and the Utah Waterfowl Association. At that time, Hart said the $2.5 million, contributed by counties surrounding the lake, is part of a longer-term plan for an additional $20 million in investments over the next 25 years for lake area protection. He also said UIPA is open to feedback from stakeholders and is dedicated to adjusting plans as necessary to protect the lake’s ecosystem.

“We’re working hard to find solutions that work for everyone,” Hart said. “Preserving the Great Salt Lake isn’t just about today. It’s about creating a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The diesel equipment switchout project was the subject of a gathering last week in which UIPA, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, the Utah Division of Air Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local officials explained the $112.4 million award through the EPA’s Clean Ports Program.

The DEQ was awarded $110 million to deploy zero-emission (ZE) technology, and UIPA was awarded $2.4 million for climate and air quality planning, all targeted at reducing emissions at the terminal by transitioning conventional diesel equipment operations to incorporate electric trucks, switcher locomotives, cargo-handling equipment and the necessary charging infrastructure to support the new ZE equipment.

“This grant signifies a tremendous leap forward for Utah, where environmental stewardship and economic vitality go hand in hand,” said Kim Shelley, DEQ’s executive director. “Today’s event showcased how advanced technologies can elevate Utah’s logistics sector while protecting the health of our communities.”

“This funding enables us to build a sustainable logistics network that aligns with Utah’s air quality goals,” Hart said. “This wouldn’t be possible without the partnership between Union Pacific, UDAQ and the EPA. Together, we’re driving transformative changes that will positively impact our state for generations.”

In addition to the vehicle replacement, the grant provides resources to establish a baseline emissions inventory and involve neighboring communities in sustainable air quality management practices.

The Clean Ports Program aims to decarbonize U.S. ports by funding ZE equipment, infrastructure and air quality planning. The program’s goal is to reduce diesel emissions, improve air quality in communities near ports, and promote sustainable port operations nationwide.

“Union Pacific is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative that will drive more sustainable logistics practices in Utah,” said Nathan Anderson, senior director of public affairs at Union Pacific. “Through this partnership, we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint through technologies that benefit the communities we serve, while strengthening Utah’s role as a leader in sustainable transportation.”

“Thanks to the ‘Investing in America’ agenda, this Clean Ports grant will jump-start efforts to electrify operations at the Utah Inland Port, cutting emissions, combating climate change and cleaning up air quality in Salt Lake City,” said KC Becker, administrator for the EPA’s Mountains and Plains Region (Region 8). “EPA is excited to see this investment make tangible improvements to the West Salt Lake community, including cleaner air and better health outcomes.” λ