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Transportation Watch

Utah Leaders Facing Transportation Challenges

With a transportation crisis looming in Utah, leaders are stepping up to deal with the challenge. See this week’s feature article (scroll down), and also links to articles about how tolling and private infrastructure investment are gaining traction around the country.

Help Stop Nuclear Waste

The campaign to prevent high-level nuclear waste from being dumped in Utah is gaining steam. Many individual Utahns and a variety of organizations are sending letters and messages to the Bureau of Land Management opposing a transfer facility that Private Fuel Storage (PFS) wants to build.

Without the transfer facility, which requires BLM approval, PFS won’t be able to move the giant casks containing spent fuel rods from rail cars to trucks to ship them to the Goshute Reservation.

Sen. Orrin Hatch has requested that individual Utahns and organizations send mail and messages to the BLM opposing the transfer facility.  If you don’t want high-level nuclear waste upwind of the Wasatch Front, take a moment to send a message or write a letter to the Utah BLM office and express your views. See Hatch’s op-ed in Sunday’s Morning News.

The BLM needs to be inundated with thousands of letters, resolutions from groups, and e-mail messages. Comments should be sent before May 8 to: Pam Shuller, Bureau of Land Management, Salt Lake Field Office, 2370 South 2300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84119. Fax: (801) 977-4397; Email: pam_schuller@blm.gov

For more information, check out this page on Hatch’s Senate Web site.  

Get Your Item On the Calendar

UPD’s political calendar is Utah’s best source of information about upcoming political and government events. If you’re aware of an event of interest to Utah’s political community, this is the place to post it. We encourage elected and appointed officials to send us information about public appearances, speeches, etc.  We welcome info about campaign events, press conferences, and so forth. Send schedules and calendar items to daily@utahpolicy.com.

 

News Highlights

Gov. Huntsman will not face a legislative veto override session this year, keeping his veto record perfect (Deseret Morning News and Salt Lake Tribune).

Rep. Rob Bishop pushing bill that would keep the Education Department from using college grants to shape school curricula (Tribune and Morning News).

Lawyers square off in court over union political fund payroll deductions for public employees (Tribune).

 


Paid by Jana Truman For Davis County Commission

 

Quote of the Day

“The extra clout a Western states primary election would give the region is easily worth the expense of an additional election.”

-- Daily Herald editorial endorsing a western states primary.

  
 

Thursday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates

  

Economic Development Newsletter

If you’re interested in economic development and business recruitment, we encourage you to subscribe to a weekly e-mail newsletter published by the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. We have appended this week’s EDCUTAH Economic Review newsletter at the bottom of today’s UPD so you can check it out (click on logo).

You can easily subscribe by clicking on the Subscribe link at the bottom of the newsletter. The weekly publication features local and national economic news, announcements, reports, rankings and business events about Utah. EDCUTAH is a public-private partnership charged with improving Utah’s economy by attracting quality businesses to Utah that offer high-paying jobs. For more information, see the EDCUTAH Web site.

Tax Reform Will Heat Up Again

Tax reform was one of the major issues in the legislative session earlier this year, and it hasn’t gone away. Assuming some sort of consensus among Gov. Jon Huntsman, the House and the Senate can be reached regarding a “flatter” income tax, the governor will call a special session, possibly in May, to finish the work on income tax reform.

It is important for Utah opinion leaders to become educated on this issue and weigh in with their legislators. The University of Utah's Center for Public Policy & Administration has provided a nice service by focusing on tax reform issues in the latest edition of its eNewsletter, Policy Perspectives. To read it, click here. The newsletter features good articles on income tax reform and sales tax reform. One article on the flatter income tax concludes: “The proposed income tax will position the state for the 21st century by broadening the tax base, lowering the rate, and providing a simplified income tax system.”  

Huntsman to Address UTC Meeting

Gov. Huntsman will deliver the keynote address at the New Utah Technology Council's annual members meeting on April 6. Huntsman will discuss "Technology's Pivotal Role in Utah's Future." For more info, click here.  

Blog Watch

The Diebold Report

Says the Senate Site blog: "The Senate decided not to override any of the governor’s vetoes this year. We completed our poll yesterday. Nine senators voted for an override Session. 20 voted against"... Lots of reaction to the Emery County/Diebold voting machines controversy: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here... The Park Record Blog solicits reader comments on the Summit County Commission's proposal to raise vehicle registration fees (see also here and here)... The Utah Amicus spotlights Senate District 28 candidate Emily Hollingshead... Utah Conservative sizes up several developing House races... Wilf Sommerkorn discusses the Utah Wilderness Coalition's opposition to the Washington Co. lands proposal... "MP3 Champion" Eric Hamilton declares his candidacy for House District 24.

Washington Watch

Bennett Defends Senate Ethics Committee

Sen. Bob Bennett says the Senate Ethics Committee doesn’t unduly shield U.S. Senators. He argues an Office of Public Integrity is not necessary. (News-Miner).  

Hatch Announces Grant $$$

Sen. Orrin Hatch announces that Utah will receive more than $11 million in federal Community Planning Development grants to enhance livability in communities throughout the state (see press release); Hatch says China isn't doing enough to combat media piracy (Bloomberg).

  

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Thursday
March 30, 2006

Towner
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Utah in the National News

Editorial says Gov. Huntsman's push for a Western presidential primary is unnecessary (Helena Independent Record).

Article takes a belated look at the controversy surrounding Sen. Chris Buttars' SB96 (Accuracy in Media).

Tucson’s take on why the Arizona city lost out to St. George, Utah, on recruitment of a glass fabrication plant (Tucson Citizen).

Utah cattleman Tim Munns chooses to ignore PETA protestors at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association spring legislative conference in D.C. (Scripps Howard).

A group called the Nuclear Information and Resource Service says the proposed Goshute N-waste dump "is both unworkable and environmentally racist" (All American Patriots).

Conservative columnist says Gov. Mitt Romney is embroiled in a fight over religious freedom in Massachusetts (National Review).

Article on the political controversies surrounding the Census Bureau notes Utah's lawsuit against the Bureau in '01 -- a suit Utah lost despite a Congressional Research Service finding that Utah would have acquired a fourth congressional seat had Utahns living overseas been counted in the 2000 census (The Hill).

Article looks at Utah's virtual-visitation law (Christian Science Monitor).

Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Guv tells Iraqis to get act together

- No love for 'Big Love' in e-mail campaign

- Full Text: Big Love e-mail

- Utah, S.L. counties OK boost to car tax

- Greens blast land-use plan

- Rolly: Third party, different planet

- More Utah students join walkout

- Student watches reform measure

- SLC Council to discuss the Unity Center

- Large hotel near Park City seems unlikely

- Strong new chief of Water Resources

- NCLB: Schools aren't the same

- New suit challenges ruling on grazing permits

- Utah's first lady talks about teens and alcohol

- Jail bed closures stalled further

- Emery County clerk takes back his resignation

- Questar asks for 4% natural-gas rate drop

- State's $1.5M to add jobs in Ogden

- Editorial: Immigration reform: Bill must bring illegals into the light

Standard-Examiner

- Council hears concerns over swap

- Editorial: Immigration reform redux

St. George Spectrum

- Commissioners mull consultant for habitat

- Panguitch mulls options for power delivery

- Op-ed: Kanab city's 'Natural Family' resolution disaster

- Editorial: Mayor's actions cowardly

Davis County Clipper

- Leavitt: Prepare now for bird flu

- Wilson bows out after 30 years

- Home schooler sees no disadvantages

- Clearfield selects new city mayor

- Troy Rawlings seeks county attorney post
- Davis population still rising

- Davis adds 3,000 jobs over past year

- W. Bountiful tax revenues, water bills up

- Council tables corridor preservation pact

- Proposed road changes given extra consideration

- WX council hears of district's growth

- From the left: What are the strongest points of your party's platform? What are the weakest points of the other party's platform?

- From the right: What are the strongest points of your party's platform? What are the weakest points of the other party's platform?

Deseret Morning News

- A veto override session looks unlikely

- Schools, teachers in short supply

- No Davis fee hike

- Governor stresses self-governed Iraq

- Winter has been expensive for gas customers

- Vehicle fee rises $10

- Drug-alcohol talk called crucial

- Ibarra supports migrant measure

- S.L. County approves hold on jail bed closures

- Summit to vote on bigger council with full-time manager

- Leavitt may be in line for Bush's inner circle

- Legislators question Provo school board bond plan

- 2 S.L. schools planning move to charter status

- Activists blast Dixie land-use bill

- UTC meeting to feature keynote by governor

- Utah income rises

- Women's business event set

Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Mar 30-31: The Legacy Law Foundation in collaboration with the Sutherland Institute and the Lighted Candle Society are holding a two-day combined event entitled “Stand Up.  Step Forward.  Speak Out.”  Register online at www.LegacyLeader.com.
- Mar 30: Gov. Huntsman KUED Monthly News Conference, 10 a.m., KUED Studios.
- Mar 30: Midday Metro on KCPW 88.3 FM at 10 a.m.: NAACP’s Jeanetta Williams and Edward Lewis as co-hosts. They’ll be talking about the future of the Indian Walk-in Center with its director Dena Ned, who’s been in Washington, D.C., trying to get funding to keep the valuable community center open. Also on the program, Mark Bigwood, Chairman of the NAACP Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee and the EEO Program Manager at George E. Wahlen VA Medical.
- Mar 30: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Secularism and its Discontents," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. In a world where religion is increasingly a driving force for politics, culture and community discourse, what is the role of secularism? Next week, the University of Utah's Vincent Pecora will deliver the third annual Gordon B Hinckley Lecture in British Studies entitled "Religion and Culture: Secularism and its Discontents," and joins Doug Fabrizio to talk about what meaning there may be in ethics that are not driven by religious doctrine.
- Mar 30: Gov. Huntsman at KSL's "Let Me Speak to the Governor," 6 p.m., KSL Studios.
- Mar 30: Call to Duty Tour sponsored by the S.J. Quinney College of Law's Public Interest Law Organization, 7 p.m., Sutherland Moot Courtroom, College of Law, University of Utah. This group of seven service members will discuss and debate the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. For more information go to www.calltodutytour.org or hurstj@law.utah.edu.
- Mar 30: Salt Lake City Shundahai Network to host a series of 3 short films about nuclear testing, 7 p.m., Free Speech Zone, 2144 South Highland Drive, Suite 130, Salt Lake City. Films include: “Atomic Journeys – Welcome to Ground Zero," “Nuclear Crisis," and “Nuclear Nightmare." For more information visit the Shundahai Network website or call 801-533-0128.
- Mar 31: Hinckley Forum "Tax Cuts, Deficit & The Economy," 9:40 a.m., Randal K. Quarles, Under Secretary for Domestic Finance, U.S. Treasury.

- See the entire calendar

Elected Officials Birthday List

EDCUTAH Economic Review


Economic Development Corporation of Utah

March 28, 2006

  

A Publication of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah
CEO Jeff Edwards

PRESIDENT'S  

MESSAGE

EDCUTAH is Launching State-Wide SURE Sites Program

Over the past few years, the speed of corporate relocations has increased. When a company decides to move, time is money and 'speed-to-market' is critical. To assist the site consultants we work with, EDCUTAH is launching a new statewide program identifying potential development sites and the 'readiness' of each. Today's feature article outlines our new SURE (Select Utah Real Estate) Sites program and how it represents both urban and rural Utah, incorporating the necessary due diligence on development sites consultants and companies need at the beginning of projects, expediting the entire process.

Today's Economic Review also includes links to many of the ED-related news stories from the past week. As always, if you have comments, suggestions or topics you'd like to see in the Economic Review, please contact us by clicking the "Comments" button on the bottom of this page.

Enjoy!

Jeff Edwards
Jeff Edwards
President and CEO

FEATURE STORY

As Time-to-Market Factors Compress Economic Development Dynamics, EDCUTAH Develops an Edge

Time-to-market factors have accelerated economic development dynamics, compressing proposal response times and due diligence efforts. When site consultants call, they want information within days or weeks, not months.

Consequently, EDCUTAH and its partners are quickly moving away from reactionary, old-school processes and fast-tracking efforts to identify, evaluate, and market site locations. Michael Flynn, director of public development, says later this summer EDCUTAH will roll out its SURE Sites program (Select Utah Real Estate), which will dramatically change Utah's economic development dynamic. "We want to have answers immediately. The SURE Sites program will help us respond to site consultant questions in days, rather than a few weeks or months," he says.

EDCUTAH's SURE Sites program entails the advance compilation of due diligence and standardized site information that consultants want to see. The data will be entered into a database connected to an advanced geographical information system (GIS). The database and GIS will be connected to the Internet. When the system is complete, site consultants from anywhere in the world will be able to analyze Utah site data and generate customized maps to view transportation corridors, utilities, population sectors, etc., all from the Internet.

Much More Than a Database

Flynn says EDCUTAH is developing the program with the help of PacifiCorp, Questar, and the Worker's Compensation Fund. When complete, he expects the SURE Sites program to be much more than a database. "It will be a dynamic, powerful economic development asset. It will make the due diligence phase much shorter, more efficient, and more competent." Furthermore, because the program involves proactive planning and the identification and mitigation of site problems, Flynn says it will make the state more competitive and provide a powerful marketing tool to target and solicit potential industries and companies.

Todd Brightwell, EDCUTAH's director of business development, says the SURE Sites program will benefit the entire state, but he expects it to be the primary vehicle for showcasing rural Utah sites. "We are finding more and more interest in rural areas, and the SURE Sites program will help us offer a greater number of sites with greater detail. There are literally hundreds of rural Utah sites available, and we need to get this information in front of the site consultants."

The SURE Sites program is especially critical to rural economic development because the compressed time factors exacerbate the challenges many rural communities face-they don't have the resources to get ahead of the curve, performing due diligence and resolving site problems in advance, and they don't have the dollars to adequately showcase their sites. "As a result, site consultants often overlook the hundreds of rural Utah sites available, even though there is great interest in rural locations," says Brightwell.

Flynn says the SURE Sites program will also help dispel the myth that most rural locations don't have workforces sufficient to sustain major business locations. "Right now it is difficult to present a clear picture of the employment potential in rural Utah." He cites the community of Salina, with a population of 2,500, as an example. Based upon Census data and outward appearances, Salina would not have the workforce to support a large business. "But rural Utahns are much more willing to commute to a job site," Flynn says, "and the Salina trade area has a population of about 60,000-a significantly larger potential workforce. We need the site consultants to see the bigger picture and the SURE Site program will help us do that."

Pilot Program

EDCUTAH is currently testing a SURE Sites pilot program, collecting information and performing due diligence on sites in Salina, Beaver, Brigham City and Salt Lake (County). Flynn says EDCUTAH hopes to complete due diligence on a total of 14 different sites between now and Aug. 31, 2006.

Ultimately, Flynn says he'd like to see every county have at least two locations qualified as SURE Sites - of course this will vary from region to region - some could have more. "Realistically, we could have 150 to 200 sites in the database, but we expect to have a minimum of at least 60 sites; about 10 counties could do 10 sites a piece."

Brightwell says the program will also help EDCUTAH better balance the interests of rural Utah with business interests. Some counties just want to solidify their industrial base; they don't want to grow too much. The bigger projects, with larger workforce demands, can be daunting to a small, rural county, he says. "We want to balance the interests of rural Utah with the needs of our customers. The SURE Sites program will have information about the types of projects rural Utah communities can support."

Flynn says the program will help EDCUTAH demonstrate the great qualities offered in rural Utah (low start up and operating costs, stable and predictable operating conditions, available transportation corridors, and short time to market). At the same time, it will also ensure each location decision is a good fit for the community involved (satisfactory wages and benefits, stable employment, and no disruption to the quality of life). EDCUTAH is keenly interested in bringing prosperity to rural Utah without sacrificing the rural lifestyle, he says.

Given the accelerated economic development dynamics and global competition, the SURE Sites program will help Utah keep its competitive edge and enhance EDCUTAH's ability to showcase the state.

CALENDAR

April 6-7:  Utah League of Cities and Towns Spring Convention, St. George

April 11: ACG Conference (Click here for information/registration)

April 9-12:  BIO 2006 Annual Conference, Chicago

April 19-20:  Rural Business Conference with Sen. Robert Bennett, Vernal (Click here for more information)

April 23-26:  CoreNet Global Summit Spring Convention. Philadelphia

April 26: Utah Technology Council Industry Breakfast (Click here for information/registration)

May 2-4:  SAMPE Advanced Materials Conference, Long Beach, CA

May 3-4:  Salt Lake Chamber Business-to-Business Expo, SLC

May 21-24:  ICSC Spring Convention, Las Vegas

EDCUTAH PARTNERS


Current Partners
Why Be a Partner?
 Board of Trustees

PROJECT REPORT


Current EDCUTAH project load = 182
Utah Expansion projects = 40
National Recruiting projects = 142
Total hot projects = 47

Three rural projects have great potential:
Project Super Bowl
130,000 square-foot manufacturing facility
# of Jobs: 550
Looking at several rural locations
Project Steely Dan
200,000 square-foot manufacturing facility
Several Utah site visits completed, looking closely at 2 rural sites in northern Utah
# of Jobs: 200
Average Wage Level: 221% of county median
New State Revenues: $7,884,500 over 10 years
Incentive: Tax Rebate of up to $2,353,350
Project Apache
Possible local expansion of Brush Resources mining operations in Juab County
Utah is competing with a location in Ohio for the project.
# of Jobs: Up to 35
Average Wage Level: 268% of county median
New State Revenues: $2,333,000 over 10 years
Incentive: Tax Rebate of up to $700,000

IN THE NEWS

 

Economic Development Headlines

Nation's Largest Plumbing Distributor Leases Orem Building

Commerce CRG reports that Ferguson, one of the nation's largest distributors of plumbing supplies, has signed a ten-year lease for a building located in Orem at 1540 West 1250 South. The leased space totals nearly 24,000 square-feet and an additional 20,000 square-feet of space will be added to accommodate the company's needs. Rusty Bollow and Greg Hunter of Commerce CRG negotiated the lease. Ferguson employs 18,500 associates in over 1,000 locations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. It is headquartered in New Port News, VA. The landlord is M. Scott Fisher of Orem. (See also Utah Business Magazine)

Dixie Booming; Historic Growth Setting Records

- Land speculators, a wave of retiring baby boomers and second-home buyers are fueling the biggest real estate rush in the county's history, according to a report commissioned by the Deseret Morning News and prepared by James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. (Morning News here, here, here and here)

3 Utah Regions Get ED Funds

- The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration on Friday announced $153,000 for Utah economic development planning efforts. (Morning News)

Utah's Taxable Sales Increase of 11.1 Percent Best Since 1993

- Utah's $3.9 billion growth in taxable sales in 2005 is the highest in 13 years, reflecting an economy that should remain strong through 2006, according to a state report. (SL Tribune)

Kanab Businesses Issue Their Own Label

- Worried that their City Council's "natural family" resolution could leave them tagged as intolerant, unfriendly or worse, Kanab business owners are banding together and issuing their own label. (SL Tribune)

Hazardous Waste Firms' Merger to Move Ahead

- The U.S. Justice Department has decided there are no further antitrust issues to consider in the merger of Salt Lake City-based EnergySolutions with Duratek Inc. (SL Tribune)

Davis May Reach 440,000 by '30

- Kent Sulser, Davis County manager of economic development, said that by the year 2030 the county's population is probably going to top out at about 440,000 people. That, he said, is just another reason why the county needs to promote quality growth. (Morning News)

Sales-Tax Revenues Surging in Utah

- In-migration, children of baby boomers and higher spending habits are increasing the sales tax revenues in many Utah cities. (Morning News)

Office Space Tight in Downtown SLC

- The LDS Church's planned major renovation of its property in downtown Salt Lake City is putting a crunch on office space in the city. (Utah Business Magazine)

Glass Plant to Bring St. George 300 Jobs

- A glassmaking company made it clear Wednesday: It will put a new architectural glass fabrication plant in St. George. (Morning News) (Spectrum) (SL Tribune) (KSL)

Utah Job Outlook Remains Robust

- Utah's job-growth rate ranks among the top five states in the nation. (Herald) (SL Tribune)

Cedar City Council, RDA Approve Port 15

- Residents filled every seat in the Cedar City Council Chambers on Wednesday night during the Redevelopment Agency meeting, and while several asked questions, no one spoke against the Port 15 Economic Development Area. (Spectrum)

Businesses Win SLC Commerce Awards

- The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday honored four organizations, including Cooper Roberts Simonsen Architects, which was named Small Business of the Year. (SL Tribune)

Growth of Hispanic Businesses Lags

- The growth of Hispanic businesses in Utah isn't even close to keeping pace with a nationwide spurt, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report. (Morning News)

Latino Businesses Booming in Utah

- Utah's Hispanic and Latino population is growing exceptionally fast. If you drive around Salt Lake, Ogden or West Valley City, many Utah towns you may be noticing more stores and shops with signs in Spanish. (KSL) (Standard-Examiner) (SL Tribune)

Banking on Hill

- Science Applications International Corp. might be able to survive without Hill Air Force Base, but doing business with the base has helped the Layton-based engineering firm thrive. (Standard-Examiner)

Utah Jobless Rate Dips

- Utah's latest jobs numbers show signs of moderation, but a state economist said there is no cause for alarm. (Morning News)

Utah Wages Still Lagging Says Governor's Aide

- Even with a robust economy, the fifth fastest growing in the country, Utah's average wage continues to significantly trail the national average. (Clipper)

Preserve Land for Business so Residents Will Have Jobs

- Despite expanding employment and economic growth exceeding the state average, Davis County still cannot produce enough jobs to meet the needs of its rapidly growing work force. (Clipper)

The Leonardo Achieves $10M Bond Match

- The Leonardo officially announced that it has raised the $10 million match required to release a $10 million voter-approved bond. (Utah Business Magazine)