University of Utah Research Park Act
The University of Utah Research Park Act would codify and confirm how a specific block of non-Federal land in Salt Lake City is used by the University of Utah. The land, about 593.54 acres, was previously conveyed to the University under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (RPPA) and approved by the Interior Department in 1970 for use as a university research park. This bill affirmatively accepts those existing uses as valid public purposes and allows additional compatible uses (such as student housing and a transit hub) as long as they remain consistent with the RPPA and the terms set forth in the original Interior Department approvals. In short, the bill provides congressional backing to keep the land for university research-related activities and related facilities, rather than for private sale or other non-public purposes. Sponsors are Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis. The bill does not create new land transfers or sales; it confirms and clarifies the public-purpose status of the land under the RPPA and maintains the Department of the Interior’s oversight terms already agreed to in 1970 and any subsequent approvals.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act is named the “University of Utah Research Park Act.”
- 2Confirmation of uses: The University of Utah’s use of the land as a university research park is confirmed as a valid public purpose under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, based on the 1970 Interior Department letter and any prior modifications.
- 3Additional uses permitted: The University may use the land for other purposes that are still consistent with a university research park and related university functions, including student housing and a transit hub, as long as those uses remain within the RPPA framework.
- 4Land description: The land is approximately 593.54 acres conveyed to the University under RPPA, specifically described as certain tracts (D excluding parcels 1–5, G, and J) in Township 1 South, Range 1 East, Salt Lake Meridian, patent 43-99-0012 dated October 18, 1968.
- 5Conditions and oversight: Uses are subject to the terms and conditions included in the original 1970 Interior Department letter and any approvals granted by the Department of the Interior prior to enactment.