Summary of HR 2876: University of Utah Research Park Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 2876
• Title: University of Utah Research Park Act
• Status: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-290)
• Introduced: April 10, 2025
• Primary Sponsor: Representative Blake D. Moore (R-UT-01)
• Companion Bill: S 1453 in the Senate

Purpose of the Legislation

The University of Utah Research Park Act aims to confirm the use of approximately 593 acres of non-federal land in Salt Lake City, Utah, for public purposes. This legislation seeks to address compliance issues related to the land's original patent, which restricts its use to specific academic and recreational purposes.

Key Provisions

1. Confirmation of Land Use:

   • The bill confirms that the current use of the land as a research park is a valid public purpose consistent with the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.
   • It allows for additional uses related to university activities, including:
     • Student housing
     • Development of a transit hub

2. Compliance with Original Terms:

   • The legislation aims to bring the University of Utah back into compliance with the original terms of the land patent, thereby removing the risk of the land reverting to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) due to non-compliance.

3. Future Development:

   • The bill facilitates the university's plans to enhance Research Park, making it more walkable and enabling the addition of residential facilities, laboratories, and offices.

Background and Need for Legislation

• The land was originally granted to the University of Utah in 1968 under the condition that it be used for academic expansion and related purposes. Over the years, the university has developed the land into a thriving research and development center, hosting around 50 companies and 81 university departments, employing over 14,000 people.
• A recent review indicated that the current commercial use of the land does not comply with the original patent terms, which could trigger a reversion of the land back to the federal government. This bill seeks to rectify that situation.

Impact

• Who is Affected:

  • The University of Utah and its students, faculty, and staff will benefit from the continued use and development of Research Park.
  • Local businesses and the workforce in Salt Lake City will also gain from the economic opportunities provided by the research park.

• Economic Benefits:

  • The research park has supported over 100 start-ups, primarily initiated by university students and researchers, contributing to local economic growth and innovation.

Legislative Timeline

• April 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• April 29, 2025: Subcommittee on Federal Lands held hearings on the bill.
• June 25, 2025: Committee on Natural Resources met to consider the bill; it was reported favorably by unanimous consent.
• September 15, 2025: Bill placed on the Union Calendar and reported by the Committee.

Conclusion

HR 2876 is a significant legislative effort to secure the future of the University of Utah's Research Park, ensuring its continued operation and development for educational and public purposes. By confirming the land's use, the bill aims to foster innovation and economic growth in the region while adhering to federal regulations.