When you think about a "port", you probably imagine shipping containers and oceanfront cities. Not Utah. But that is exactly what makes the Utah Inland Port such a powerful and surprising development.
In this episode of the Utah Real Estate Podcast, we sat down with Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority, to help explain what the inland port is, why it matters, and how it could affect nearly every Utahn whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or just someone waiting on a delivery.
What is the Utah Inland Port?
The Utah Inland Port isn’t a single building or a warehouse. It’s a network of infrastructure projects across the state rail, road, and air systems designed to make it easier and more cost-effective to move goods in and out of Utah.
As Ben explained, most of what we use each day from clothes to furniture to construction materials has to come from somewhere else. Utah doesn’t have direct access to the coast, so we rely heavily on trucking. That means more traffic, slower deliveries, and higher shipping costs.
The port authority’s mission is to upgrade that system. “We’re trying to build smarter ways to ship,” Ben said. “That means strengthening air cargo, expanding rail, and investing in the infrastructure that helps businesses grow while easing the burden on our roads.”
Why It Matters to Everyone
You don’t have to be in the shipping industry to feel the effects. For most Utahns, the benefits will show up in simple ways: fewer trucks on the freeway, quicker shipping times, and less pollution.
Projects like the new rail hub in Cedar City are already reducing highway traffic. “They used to send thousands of trucks up to Salt Lake,” Ben shared. “Now, with direct rail access, they can ship more efficiently saving time, money, and emissions.”
And for rural communities, the benefits are even more direct. In Garland, Utah, a partnership with the port helped bring in a $50 million investment and 500 new jobs through a company called Lakeshore Learning. These kinds of wins create ripple effects new income, housing demand, and long-term growth.
Small Business, Big Impact
While the port helps large companies move freight, it also opens doors for smaller businesses looking to scale. Ben pointed out that many local manufacturers already supply major companies like Boeing but need better access to national and global markets.
“Once these businesses realize they can export globally without leaving Utah, it changes the game,”
What About the Environment?
Naturally, a project of this scale raises environmental concerns especially regarding the Great Salt Lake. But Ben emphasized that protecting Utah’s natural resources is part of the plan.
In the last year alone, the Port Authority directed $2.5 million to preserve sensitive wetland areas. It has also committed to working only with low water-use industries near the lake and has implemented strict protections in places like Weber County.
“We’re not here to build at all costs,” Ben said. “We’re here to grow responsibly, and that means preserving the land we depend on.”
Looking Ahead
According to Ben, what excites him most is the long-term, generational impact of the work being done. The Port Authority is currently active in 15 counties, with project areas stretching from Cedar City to Price. The goal is to create a more efficient, more resilient economy for Utah’s future.
“If we do this right, people may not even notice,” he said. “They’ll just get packages faster, spend less on shipping, breathe cleaner air, and have access to better jobs. And that’s a win.”
Learn More:
Utah Inland Port Authority
http://inlandportauthority.utah.gov
Ben Hart – Executive Director Bio
http://inlandportauthority.utah.gov/leadership
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Oct 18 202533 min