Over the past two years, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) has expanded dramatically around the receding Great Salt Lake, sparking opposition from environmentalists, public health advocates and rural community members. An investigation by Brooke Larsen for High Country News reveals that despite public comments expressing overwhelming opposition, UIPA has pushed forward – and is working closely with elected officials and developers who are eager for fast growth. With support from the Fund, High Country News submitted 30 public record requests to local municipalities, counties and UIPA to understand the complex web of players pushing industrial development forward around the imperiled Great Salt Lake. Larsen did extensive field reporting for 18 months, including regularly attending UIPA board meetings and conducting in-depth interviews with impacted community members.
Grantee investigation reveals complex web of players pushing industrial development along Utah’s receding Great Salt Lake
