A bill with potential for significant economic benefits for the Uintah Basin has been approved by the Utah House and Senate and is headed to Governor Herbert’s desk. HB433 ‘Inland Port Amendments’ modifies provisions of the Utah Inland Port Authority to allow for areas outside the jurisdictional land of the port in Salt Lake. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Francis Gibson, has explained that branching out to rural areas will maximize the export potential and benefits to all areas of the state, including opportunities for the oil and gas industry in the Uintah Basin. Opposers of the Inland Port Authority and HB433 have pushed hard against the bill, including Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski who filed a lawsuit earlier this week in opposition. The legislative votes needed for approval still came through with a large majority in both the Senate and House. Lawmakers have passed well over 400 bills and resolutions and are expected to pass more today as the last day before concluding the 2019 legislative session.
