Salt Lake City mayor files lawsuit challenging Inland Port Authority

SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the Utah Inland Port Authority.

The inland port is intended to build a big business hub out just west of the airport. It’s an initiative from the county and in this lawsuit, Mayor Biskupski claims the inland port is overreach from the state. She says they’re seizing tax dollars that belong to Salt Lake City and other mayors.

The action from Biskupski comes shortly after a bill that would allow the Inland Port Authority to expand beyond its 16,000-acre jurisdiction in Salt Lake’s northwest quadrant, cleared another hurdle Monday.

The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee voted to push the bill forward.

“I have been clear since last year that I believe the state of Utah has violated the firmly established role of municipal governments. Rather than work to correct this error, the state is preparing to double down on the worst parts of this legislation—seizing even more tax dollars and taking steps to close the courtroom door to me and other mayors who may be impacted by this gross state overreach. After listening to the community, and conversations with city attorneys and outside counsel, I believe we must move forward with this lawsuit today, before this year’s legislation takes effect.” -SLC Mayor Jackie Biskuspi in press release

The lawsuit names the Utah Inland Port Authority, Derek Miller in his formal capacity as Chair of the Inland Port Authority Board, and Governor Gary Herbert.

The Deseret News reports the bill continues to have support from members of the Salt Lake City Council — who have negotiated with the bill’s sponsor and Utah Inland Port Authority board member, House Majority Leader Francis Gibson.

The bill still must be passed in the Senate and then be signed by Governor Gary Herbert.

This story will be updated.