University of Utah Research Park Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2876) to confirm the use of certain non-Federal land in Salt Lake City, Utah, for public purposes, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2876

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``University of Utah Research Park Act''. SEC. 2. CONFIRMATION OF USE OF CERTAIN NON-FEDERAL LAND IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, FOR VALID PUBLIC PURPOSES.

(a) Confirmation of Uses.--

(1) In general.--The use by the University of Utah of the land described in subsection (b) as a University research park, as approved by the letter from the Secretary of the Interior to the University of Utah dated December 10, 1970, and any modifications of the approved plan of development and management approved by the Department of the Interior prior to the date of enactment of this Act, is confirmed as a valid public purpose consistent with the requirements of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (44 Stat. 741, chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), subject to the terms and conditions included in the letter and approvals.

(2) Other uses.--Any other uses of the land described in subsection (b) by the University of Utah that are consistent with use as a University research park and related university purposes (including development of student housing and a transit hub) are confirmed as valid public purposes consistent with the requirements of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (44 Stat. 741, chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).

(b) Description of Non-Federal Land.--The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 593.54 acres of land conveyed to the University of Utah under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (44 Stat. 741, chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), by patent numbered 43-99-0012 and dated October 18, 1968, and more particularly described as tracts D (excluding parcels numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), G, and J, T. 1 S., R. 1 E., Salt Lake Meridian.

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Mr. STAUBER. 2876, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2876, the University of Utah Research Park Act, led by Representative Blake Moore of Utah.

H.R. 2876 resolves legal uncertainty surrounding the University of Utah's ownership of 593 acres of land in the heart of Salt Lake City. This uncertainty comprises the university's flagship research park, a key educational and economic development center.

Since its conveyance under the Research and Public Purposes Act in 1968, this parcel has grown into a nationally recognized hub for innovation, home to 81 university departments and more than 50 pharmaceutical, medical research, and biotechnology companies. Today, Research Park employs over 14,000 Utahns and provides invaluable educational opportunities for students preparing to lead in the fields of science and medicine.

Despite this long record of success, a recent BLM review raised questions about whether the park's use of the land aligns with the terms of the original patent.

H.R. 2876 clears up this ambiguity by affirming the park's current use is valid and consistent with the public purpose envisioned at the time of the conveyance.

This is a simple, bipartisan bill that cuts red tape and ensures the University of Utah can continue building on nearly six decades of scientific discovery, economic growth, and global impact. I commend Representative Moore for leading this effort in the House and the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Lee, for championing this bill in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2876 resolves an unnecessary cloud over this property by confirming the valid use of the University of Utah's prized Research Park, which has served the public for decades.

This commonsense bill will allow the park to keep driving innovation, supporting thousands of good jobs, and giving students hands-on opportunities to learn and grow.

I thank once again Representative Moore, Senator Lee, and the entire Utah congressional delegation for their work on this important effort. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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