Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore has introduced a legislative effort aimed at safeguarding the University of Utah's Research Park, a significant center for innovation and growth within the state. Moore's initiative, known as the University of Utah Research Park Act, was developed in collaboration with the university's leadership and is supported by Utah’s congressional members and Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, who are leading the effort in the Senate.

Congressman Moore emphasized the importance of Research Park, stating, “The University of Utah’s Research Park has been instrumental in putting Utah on the map for innovation, research, and development.” He expressed gratitude for the support from the state’s congressional delegation and his anticipation of advancing the legislation.

Senator Lee highlighted the park's long-standing role, noting, “The University of Utah's Research Park has been an engine of growth and discovery for more than half a century," and assured that the bill seeks to maintain the university’s progress without concerns over past agreements being misinterpreted.

Senator Curtis acknowledged the park's contributions, saying, “For decades, Research Park has quietly delivered the kind of innovation, jobs, and medical breakthroughs that make Utah proud.” He stressed the importance of federal commitments being honored.

University President Taylor Randall expressed appreciation for the legislation and the efforts of Senators Lee and Curtis, in addition to Representative Moore. Randall remarked on the park’s accomplishments and its global impact, supported by entities such as the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, ARUP Laboratories, and Myriad Genetics.

The legislation aims to resolve ambiguities related to the University of Utah's use of land initially provided by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1968 for academic and research purposes under the Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) Act. The act seeks to confirm that the research park’s development and operations align with public use under the original agreement.

Over recent years, the BLM has questioned the consistency of the university’s activities with the initial land patent. The proposed legislation would clarify these uncertainties, ensuring the research park remains a legitimate public purpose under existing laws, continuing its legacy of fostering innovation and employment.

The bill has the backing of the University of Utah and has previously passed unanimously through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with revisions allowing more flexibility in land use.

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