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By Myrna Trauntvein Juab County remains the firm backbone to the region and economy of central Utah and the Agri-Park. Danny Stewart, Associate Vice President for Regional Project Area Development for the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), explained that the county commission needed to adopt a resolution in order to add additional land as part of the Agri-Park. “In order for a project to be established by UIPA the legislative body of the county or municipality in which the project area is located must provide written consent,” said Stewart. On May 8, 2023, the county adopted a resolution supporting the creation of a Utah Inland Port Authority Project Area in the county. On September 3, 2024, commissioners passed a resolution supporting and requesting the amendment of the Central Utah Agri-Park Inland Port Project Area Plan and budget. The 2025 amendment brings about 2,300 acres into the project area, he said. This property is located northwest of Nephi and a short distance west of the Nortonville Rail Zone and and just south of the Current Creek Zone. The amendment is based on the R6 Regional Council’s Agri-Park board of directors’ purchase of 920 acres for the development of the Agri-Park which is the heart of the creation area, he said. After an exhaustive search of nearly two years inside and outside of the project area boundaries, the R6 Board decided on this property as the best option to develop an Agri-Park. “In addition to the 920 acres, an additional 1,400 acres of privately owned adjacent land is included for the development of utilities and the development of and recruitment of other businesses to support the Agri-Park,” he said. “It is anticipated that this property will be annexed into Nephi,” said Stewart. Clinton Painter, commissioner, said that was because Nephi City could supply natural gas and other utilities. “The county’s place is critical in synergizing together the interests of all counties in central Utah’s Six-county region,” said Stewart. “A Project Area in Juab County has the unique opportunity to provide regional economic growth to the surrounding region.” “The amendment is based on the R-6 Regional Council’s Agri-Park Board of Directors’ purchase of about 920 acres for the development of the Agri-Park, which is the heart of the creation of this project area,” said Stewart. Stewart presented an overview of Proposed Amendment #2: The R-6 Regional Council worked for nearly two years to find the optimal property for the Central Utah Agri-Park; the best option for purchase is 920 acres of SITLA property outside of the project area boundaries. “We are requesting to add this new property and about 1,460 adjacent acres well-suited for the development of utilities and other projects to support the Central Utah Agri-Park Project Area,” said Stewart. To avoid confusion, this amended property is named the “Agri-Park Zone,” and the property previously recognized as “The Six County Agri-Park Zone,” located between Nephi and Levan, is renamed the “Juab Valley Zone.” The main objective is to create a better future for Utah’s family farms, economy, and food security. While the preliminary phases of this project are being supported by the Six County AOG, including Sanpete, Juab, Wayne, Millard, Piute and Sevier counties, this Agri-Park would benefit farmers and Utahns in every county in the state, said Stewart. UIPA determined that development of the Central Utah Agri-Park Project Area, as contemplated by UIPA, property owners, and the local governments, will be economically sound and feasible. “The Agri-Park project holds the promise of providing a much-needed solution by offering a centralized location equipped with essential infrastructure to bolster local processing capabilities in Utah,” said Stewart. “This cutting-edge approach represents a pioneering initiative that aims to propel agricultural innovation and modernization in the state.” He said that the significance of the Agri-Park goes beyond just the immediate local impact; it represents a collaborative effort on an unprecedented scale. Six independent counties have joined forces, contributing over $1 million of their own funds to finance the initial infrastructure and economic assessment plan, showcasing their commitment to the growth and prosperity of Utah’s agriculture. “The cooperative nature of this regional project ensures that the benefits will extend beyond county lines, benefitting not only the entirety of Utah but also the broader Intermountain West region,” he said. Painter made the motion to adopt the resolution amending past resolutions in order to add more property to the Agri-Park and Mary Palmer, commissioner, made the second. All voted in favor.
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