HR 2876119th CongressIntroduced

University of Utah Research Park Act

Introduced: Apr 10, 2025

EducationInfrastructureTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, titled the University of Utah Research Park Act, would codify and confirm how about 593.54 acres of non-federal land in Salt Lake City may be used by the University of Utah for public purposes, specifically as a University research park. The confirmation relies on a long-standing arrangement approved by the Department of the Interior (DOI) in a 1970 letter and any related plan modifications approved before the bill’s enactment. In addition to operating as a research park, the bill allows other uses that are consistent with that purpose, including the development of student housing and a transit hub, provided they remain within the framework of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP Act). The land in question is described as certain parcels conveyed to the University under the R&PP Act by patent 43-99-0012 (dated Oct. 18, 1968), specifically tracts D (excluding some parcels), G, and J, located in T.1 S., R.1 E., Salt Lake Meridian. In short, the bill provides formal legal confirmation that the University of Utah can continue and expand its use of this land for public, university-related purposes without transferring ownership to the federal government, as long as uses meet the conditions set forth in the initial DOI approvals and the R&PP Act.

Key Points

1Confirms the University of Utah’s use of the land as a University research park, as approved by a 1970 DOI letter and related plan approvals, under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.
2Allows additional uses aligned with a research park mission (including student housing and a transit hub), still treated as valid public purposes under the R&PP Act.
3Describes the land boundary: about 593.54 acres conveyed to the University under the R&PP Act by patent 43-99-0012 (dated Oct 18, 1968), specifically tracts D (excluding parcels 1–5), G, and J, in T. 1 S., R. 1 E., Salt Lake Meridian.
4Keeps the land as non-Federal land under R&PP Act oversight, ensuring uses stay within public purposes and subject to the terms and conditions in the original DOI letter and approvals.
5Codifies existing arrangements into statute to provide legal certainty for ongoing and future university development, housing, and transit-related projects without transferring ownership to the federal government.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- University of Utah, its students and employees, and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The bill clarifies and protects the university’s long-term ability to operate a research park and related facilities on this land, which can influence campus planning, research initiatives, housing, and local employment.Secondary group/area affected- Local and state government partners, land-use planners, and transit planners in/around Salt Lake City. The transit hub component ties university activity to regional transportation planning and infrastructure development.Additional impacts- Public policy and land-use certainty: Provides a clear, statutory affirmation that the land use remains a public purpose under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, potentially easing financing and permitting for projects.- Housing and infrastructure: Enables development of student housing and a transit hub, which could affect housing supply, traffic, and local economic activity.- Stakeholder considerations: May influence nearby property values, environmental planning, and community access to university and transit facilities, within the bounds of the original terms and conditions approved by the DOI.

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