Much has been happening with Utah Inland Port Authority Project Areas. The Salt Lake City Project remains a top priority for the Authority, and we plan to present several more Project Areas for consideration over the coming months. During the April Port Authority board meeting, a new Project Area was established in Iron County. It is important to note that these Project Areas are a united collaboration between the Inland Port and the local communities we serve.

Why do we need inland ports in Utah? It is my strongly held belief that had the Port Authority has been created 30 years ago, we would be experiencing better air quality, stronger rural economies, and a much more efficient transportation system today. Our overreliance on road transportation is detrimental to the environment and the economy. Improving the country's rail infrastructure for transporting goods and people is a bipartisan issue that has yielded positive results. It is estimated that a single train can eliminate up to 300 trucks from the road.

Our aim is to provide rail access to more businesses across Utah through regional inland ports, which will also involve significant state, local and private investments to strengthen local economies and communities. In the coming months, we will engage the public to clarify our purpose and work toward creating a stronger, more sustainable future for Utah.

Thank you for all you do.