Congressman Blake Moore introduced the University of Utah Research Park Act in the House of Representatives to ensure the longevity of the University of Utah’s Research Park, an integral hub for research and development in the Beehive State and a key driver of Utah’s workforce and economy.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) transferred Research Park’s land to the University in 1968, and a technicality in the transfer bill language creates a risk of the land being transferred back to BLM. Congressman Moore’s new legislation prevents Research Park from losing this land so it can continue to serve the University and Utahns across the state.
“The University of Utah’s Research Park has been instrumental in putting Utah on the map for innovation, research, and development,” said Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01). “It is imperative that we support Research Park. I am grateful to introduce this legislation with my colleagues in Utah’s congressional delegation.”
“Representative Moore has been a tremendous advocate for the University of Utah’s innovation at Research Park, which includes facilities that provide critical services like Huntsman Mental Health Institute, ARUP Laboratories and Myriad Genetics,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “We are very grateful for his efforts to move this legislation forward which will provide important clarity for the future of the U’s research enterprise.”
“I appreciate the work of the Utah delegation, coming together on a solution that ensures future research at the University of Utah,” Congressman John Curtis said (UT-03). “Research Park and other centers across the state are vital for advancements in many industries and I am proud of this important effort.”
“For over five decades, the University of Utah Research Park has cultivated a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for students, innovators, and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth across the state,” said Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04). “The Bureau of Land Management is now threatening this invaluable public-private partnership, and I’m proud to join our state’s Congressional delegation to protect the ability of Utahns to benefit from this unique collaboration both today, and well into the future.”
Senator Lee and Senator Romney have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
