Op-ed explains financial concerns about the Inland Port
Patricia Becnel, a Weber County resident and one of our friends on the Stop the Polluting Port Coalition, had an excellent op-ed in the Standard Examiner. She unpacks the Inland Ports’ business and financial plans and why they cause concern for her, and so many residents of their recently approved locations.
“Six years ago, the Legislature handed them a sum of money. They were to use it to attract more businesses and increase jobs for Utah residents, though Utah was (and still is) at a record-low employment rate. They began with Salt Lake City Inland Port, which is still not up and fully operating. Because of the many objections, they spread to other areas. A promise of free money was too much for area leaders and developers. Developers and city officials who could not get money any other way applied. Ten more municipalities (and counting) have jumped on having a port in their area for the presumed economic benefits but most likely will be competing with one another because of their close proximity. Still, many wealthy and questionable developers have eagerly held out their hands for the low-cost loans.”
“The port promises building infrastructure with no upfront cost to the public, and the developers promise businesses with well-paid jobs. (The average port worker salary hovers around minimum wage with few benefits and many of these jobs will soon be automated.) The loans do not include the cost of increased traffic, an increase in housing needs or the regular costs of maintaining a developed area (like police, firefighters, road maintenance.) And then there are the undefined costs to health because of more traffic, pollution, pesticide use, noise and road use. (These estimates vary from almost $2 billion to $3 billion or $4 billion for health costs.) No one is putting a price on the need for open space, tranquil areas or clear night skies. Some areas also increase damage to wetlands and the Great Salt Lake (or Utah Lake or other water bodies) and the species that depend on them. But there is no oversight required, no business plan and no accountability. If the port authority fails, taxpayers, like the family members, will pick up the cost.”
One of the most concerning hand-outs of public money is happening in Tooele County where developers with sketchy financial histories and connections with legislators are poised to make bundles, with very little at stake for them at the expense of the community. That’s why UPHE and the Center for Biological Diversity Center (Center) sent a formal letter contesting a recent proposed sale and are challenging the Utah Inland Port in court.