UIPA has money to spruce up SLC's west side

Brice Wallace

The Utah Inland Port Authority is providing funds for improvements to the west side of Salt Lake City.

The authority is accepting applications through June 30 for the Westside Community Enrichment Initiative, which has nearly $1.3 million available for projects “aimed at fostering positive transformations” to the west side.

The maximum award amount is{mprestriction ids="1,3"} $400,000 and projects would need to be completed by July 25, 2025.

“By supporting a wide range of eligible projects, the primary objective of the initiative program is to strengthen community bonds, promote economic growth and improve overall quality of life,” said Ben Hart, UIPA’s executive director. “UIPA is excited about the potential of the initiative to drive positive change and make a significant impact for the westside community.”

Initiative projects should focus on economic opportunities that support individuals, organizations and communities in driving economic growth, improving livelihoods and contributing to the vitality of the community, UIPA said. The funds will empower communities to address local economic challenges and create long-lasting, positive impacts.

The initiative also encompasses community improvement projects that respond to specific needs, health concerns and barriers faced by disadvantaged communities, it said. “Applicants are encouraged to think outside the box and develop projects that engage community members, foster collaboration, and address the unique needs and aspirations of their local communities,” UIPA said in a news release announcing the funding.

Details are at https://inlandportauthority.utah.gov/northwest-quadrant/westside-community-enrichment-initiative/. Questions about the application process may be addressed to Max Ivory at Mivory@utah.gov.

Established in 2018, UIPA is focused on economic development and transforming economies and communities across the state through innovative logistics practices. Its jurisdictional area in includes about 16,000 acres in the Northwest Quadrant of Salt Lake City and parts of northern West Valley City and Magna. Most of the area is privately-owned and approximately 7,000 acres are vacant and suitable for development.

UIPA also has approved a plan for an inland port on 899 acres near Cedar City and is considering a 2,200-acre area for an industrial park in Spanish Fork.{/mprestriction}