SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Board has adopted the Black Gold Project Area, encompassing 2,780 acres, a strategic initiative developed in partnership with Duchesne County and Roosevelt City to support infrastructure coordination, freight efficiency, and long-term economic diversification in the Uinta Basin.
The Black Gold Project Area reflects the Basin’s evolving economic landscape, where communities are focused on strengthening regional competitiveness, expanding high-quality job opportunities, and supporting industries that depend on reliable transportation and infrastructure systems.
“The Black Gold Project Area is designed to align infrastructure planning and economic development tools with the needs of Basin communities,” said Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. “This framework supports long-term economic resilience, encourages private investment, and helps position the region for a broader range of logistics-supportive and value-added industries.”
Local leaders emphasized the importance of creating durable economic opportunities while maintaining community priorities and local control.
“Duchesne County continues to prioritize strategies that strengthen our economic base and support sustainable growth,” said Greg Miles, Duchesne County Commissioner. “The Black Gold Project Area provides additional tools to coordinate infrastructure investment, support existing businesses, and attract industries that complement the region’s workforce and resources.”
Roosevelt City officials highlighted the role of infrastructure reliability and long-term planning in supporting community stability.
“This initiative supports a coordinated approach to economic development and infrastructure planning while preserving local decision-making authority,” said Drew Eschler, Roosevelt City planning director. “The Black Gold Project Area helps ensure that future investment aligns with the needs of our residents and contributes to long-term economic opportunity.”
The project area establishes a structure to facilitate coordinated infrastructure investment, encourage logistics-supportive and value-added uses, and strengthen the long-term tax base for local communities. The initiative does not alter local land-use authority, which remains under the jurisdiction of Duchesne County and Roosevelt City.
Duchesne County and Roosevelt City previously adopted resolutions supporting the establishment of the project area, reflecting regional collaboration and shared economic development objectives.
As required by statute, the Black Gold Project Area Plan includes an environmental review to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local standards.
UIPA will continue coordinating with local partners, stakeholders, and community members as the project area moves forward.
ABOUT UIPA:
As 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 inlandportauthority.utah.gov.