Gov. Gary R. Herbert has announced that Alan Matheson, current executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, will conclude his service leading the department and accept a new position as executive director of the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority.
“Alan has been an invaluable asset to my cabinet and senior team during his years of service at the Department of Environmental Quality,” Gov. Herbert said. “I have appreciated his firm focus on improving our air quality, as well as all aspects of the environment. He has been and will continue to be a trusted advisor, and I wish him all the best as he accepts this new position guiding important land development projects at the Point of the Mountain.”
Matheson’s resignation from his post at the Department of Environmental Quality is effective June 30. He is anticipated to begin work with the authority on July 1.
“We’re at a decisive moment in Utah’s history. Wise planning will make all the difference in helping us build the future we want for our kids and our grandkids,” said Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox, co-chair for the Point of the Mountain Authority. “I am grateful to have found an invested, experienced leader to guide the Point of the Mountain Authority board through this crucial phase of investment and development. Alan’s work for the Department of Environmental Quality has been invaluable, and Utahns can expect the best from him as he serves in this critical new role.”
“Governor Herbert gave me a gift – the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals in the Governor’s Office and at DEQ to protect public health and Utah’s treasured natural environment. I’m deeply grateful,” Matheson said. “I take on this new role with humility and hope. Beyond a significant development project, the Point of the Mountain presents a generational opportunity to improve lives. I’m excited to work with the board and many partners to set the standard for well-planned, sustainable development that drives economic opportunity, solves transportation challenges, and respects the environment.”
The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority was created by the Utah Legislature during the 2018 General Session to create a strategic development plan for land that currently houses the Utah State Prison, but which will be left empty once the prison relocates to its new site. The prison’s move is anticipated to occur in approximately two years.
Matheson will work with the authority’s board and other stakeholders to create a strategic plan for the approximately 700 acres, and will help facilitate the development of the land once the prison has been moved.
