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Five County Association of Governments Economic Development

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Grand opening of Savage Cedar City, UT, Transload sets stage for regional economic growth

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Savage, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), Iron County and Cedar City are proud to announce the grand opening of the new Savage Cedar City, UT Transload facility, providing transload services between trucks and railcars, on-site storage for shippers, and direct access to Union Pacific Railroad. By connecting area businesses and agriculture producers to broader national and global markets, this latest addition to the Savage Transload Network will help optimize supply chains, drive regional economic growth, bolster industry efficiency and foster sustainable transportation solutions.

“We’re excited to connect Iron County and Southern Utah communities to the national rail network at our new transload facility and create more efficient and sustainable supply chains, with rail providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to long-haul trucking,” said Jason Ray, president of Savage’s Infrastructure Sector. “Improving access to rail transportation will also make Cedar City, St. George and surrounding communities more attractive for businesses looking to expand in the region, supporting job creation and sustainable economic growth. We appreciate the local, state and federal leaders whose

support has been instrumental to the success of this project.”

This new development is an integral part of UIPA’s Iron Springs Inland Port Project Area, focusing on fostering sustainable economic growth and logistics efficiency.

“The Utah Inland Port Authority is dedicated to enhancing Utah’s position in the global supply chain network,” said Ben Hart, executive director for the Utah Inland Port Authority. “The addition of this new Savage transload facility to our logistics capabilities is a key component of our strategy. It demonstrates our commitment to facilitating economic growth while fostering environmental sustainability in transportation.”

The grand opening event, held on June 7, 2024, showcased the new facility’s capabilities, including 70 railcar spots available for transloading a wide variety of materials and products including dimensional freight, dry and liquid bulk, hazardous materials and food-grade products. The event was attended by local business leaders, elected officials, community members, and representatives from various sectors, all eager to witness the impact of the railport on local and regional development.

“This new railport in Iron County is a tremendous opportunity to expand services for our trucking and industrial businesses,” said Cedar City Mayor Garth O. Green. “Companies like Savage are leading the way and we look forward to all that’s to come.”

“The opening of the Savage Cedar City, UT Transload facility is a landmark event for our county,” said Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak. “It promises not only to create jobs but also to integrate Iron County more deeply into the national economic fabric. We are proud to collaborate with Savage, UIPA and Cedar City on this new transportation infrastructure, which will bring lasting benefits to our communities and businesses.”

The Savage Cedar City, UT Transload is now operational and ready to support the growth and expansion of industries throughout Southern Utah and the surrounding region. To discuss business opportunities, contact Brig Skoy, Savage Director of Terminal Development, at brigskoy@savageco.com or 801-944-6535.

About SavageEstablished in 1946, Savage is a privately held, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions, with more than 4,000 Team Members in about 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. We strive to always Do the Right Thing, Find a Better Way and Make a Difference. Our Customers and Partners count on us to safely and sustainably move and manage what is essential to their business so they can Feed the World, Power Our Lives, and Sustain the Planet. http://www.savageco.com

About the Utah Inland Port AuthorityAs a state entity, UIPA has a unique role to coordinate a statewide economic development and logistics system to ensure long-term sustainability and statewide value. To learn more about UIPA project areas, developments and its members, visit http://www.inlandportauthority.utah.gov.

About Cedar City & Iron County, UTThe Cedar City & Iron County Office of Economic Development provides rich business resources to foster retail, tourism, manufacturing, distribution and business opportunities. Cedar City & Iron County arewithin one day’s trucking from major western markets, with immediate access to Interstate 15, a regional airport and railroad connectivity. We are recognized for our seamless business development process, an educated workforce pipeline known for longevity, and an unmatched quality of life with fresh air, access to national parks and home of the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Learn more at http://www.cedarcityut.gov/econdev and follow us on Facebook.

ContactsSavage: Jeff Hymas; 801-944-6584; jeffhymas@savageco.comUtah Inland Port Authority: Kaitlin Felsted; 801-837-8997; kaitlinfelsted@utah.govCedar City: Gabbie Costello; 435-477-2217; cgabrielle@cedarcityut.gov

Cedar City Regional Airport begins $5.2M expansion to enhance traveler experience

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Travelers using the Cedar City Regional Airport can expect to see an improved customer experience next year, as a 10-month expansion project is underway.

Officials break ground for the Cedar City Regional Airport’s 10-month expansion project, Cedar City, Utah, May 28, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Cedar City, St. George News

On Tuesday, airport staff and local officials gathered in the airport terminal to kick off a 10-month expansion project to be completed simultaneously while the airport remains open and operating with regular daily flights to Salt Lake City by SkyWest Airlines, according to a news release issued by Cedar City.

Improvements include:

  • Quadrupling the airport’s current seating capacity after security in the holding room.
  • Adding an area for advanced screening equipment.
  • Replacing old metal detector with new screening machine.
  • Adding two additional restrooms for males and females.
  • Adding vending area in holding room after security.
  • Upgrading security system.
  • Increasing capacity for baggage claim with new roller system.
  • Adding a service animal relief station after security.
  • Adding an additional passenger gate.

This $5.2 million project is the first major improvement project in nearly 20 years. It is 96% covered by Federal Aviation Administration grants, with additional costs covered by the airport operating budget.

“Our current amenities and seating have exceeded our daily need for quite a while,” airport manager Tyler Galetka said in the news release. “These new improvements will not only provide our guests with an elevated experience but will give us the space we need pending any future air service expansion.”

Galetka explained how the pilot shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on expanding essential air service, but it remains one of the top priorities at the airport for the Cedar City Council.

At the kick-off event, Cedar City Mayor Garth Green and others shared how Cedar City is the gateway to the national parks and adventure in Southern Utah.

Cedar City Mayor Garth Green speaks during the kick-off event for the Cedar City Regional Airport’s 10-month expansion project, Cedar City, Utah, May 28, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Cedar City, St. George News

“We don’t do anything special to tell people to move here or visit here,” Green said. “People visit because of our location and access to the outdoors and it’s our job to maintain the quality of life for all, which includes providing a great experience at our Airport.”

While the project is underway, no major impacts or flight interruptions are expected other than guests utilizing different amenities or routes inside the terminal. The expected completion date for the 5,000-square-foot expansion project is early 2025.

Cedar City Regional Airport begins $5.2M expansion to enhance traveler experience

Cedar City’s BZI Innovation Park within inland port area named as state’s 1st Union Pacific ‘Focus Site’

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CEDAR CITY — The Utah Inland Port Authority announced the designation of BZI Innovation Park within the Iron Springs Project Area in Cedar City as part of Union Pacific’s Focus Site program. This designation underscores the site’s preparedness and strategic importance to logistics and transportation in the Western United States.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox congratulates BZI officials after Commerce Crossroads groundbreaking ceremony, Iron County, Utah, Aug. 22, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

“We look forward to providing rail service to the new BZI Innovation Park that connects Cedar City to our 32,000-mile network and nine international gateways to Canada and Mexico,” said Dan McLaughlin, assistant vice president of marketing and sales for Union Pacific Railroad, said in a news release. “With more than 820 rail-served acres available for build-to-suit projects, new warehouses and facilities can easily connect to rail.”

The park spans 820 acres and offers 8.5 million square feet of rail-served industrial and warehouse space, according to a recent press release.

The site is a designated project area of the Utah Inland Port Authority and provides flexible development options with close access to Interstate 15, enabling one-day truck access to about 48 million people throughout the southwestern United States.

“The BZI Innovation Park is a game-changer for Utah, enhancing our role as a crucial hub for commerce in the West,” said Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. “This project not only expands our infrastructure but also elevates our strategic capabilities to serve regional markets.”

Union Pacific’s Focus Site program includes shovel-ready sites that are pre-approved for rail design, ensuring a streamlined development process. These sites offer large-scale development areas of at least 125 acres, with accessible utilities and roads, supported by local development efforts.

“Securing a Union Pacific Focus Site designation accelerates economic growth in Iron County,” Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak said. “It confirms our readiness for major industrial activities and positions us as a key player in the logistics sector, promising new opportunities for our community.”

Aerial view of BZI Innovation Park, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Utah Inland Port Authority, St. George News / Cedar City News

Benefits of BZI Innovation Park include:

  • On-site transload services and logistics capabilities.
  • Pre-approved rail project suitable for manifest service, with an existing rail spur.
  • Target industries include construction manufacturing, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and warehouse distribution.

“Rail is the backbone of our nation’s economy. Through our rail transloading operator RailSync, BZI Innovation Park is becoming an economic powerhouse benefitting all of southwestern Utah,” BZI CEO James Barlow said. “We are pleased to be Union Pacific’s first Focus Site in the state of Utah.”

Written by Kaitlin Felsted, communications director for Utah Inland Port Authority.

Cedar City’s BZI Innovation Park within inland port area named as state’s 1st Union Pacific ‘Focus Site’ – St George News (stgeorgeutah.com)