News Releases
Utah’s consumer sentiment steady in March
Utah’s consumer sentiment was essentially unchanged in March (70.2) compared to February (70.4), according to the Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by The University of Michigan found sentiment fell from February (67.0) to March (62.0) among Americans as a whole. (Read More)
Utah economic indicators show strength and caution
The Salt Lake Chamber’s Roadmap to Prosperity Coalition, in partnership with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, has updated the Economic Dashboard for March to help business leaders see where Utah’s economy stands. This tool provides data on the state’s economic outlook and actionable context for decision-makers.
“Consumers continue to face market headwinds with high inflation and a tight labor market in Utah hampers labor expansion,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Our industries continue to grow but taxable retail sales dropped steeply at the start of this year much like they did in the pandemic. The good news is that Utah continues its trend of economic expansion albeit at a slower rate due to larger issues playing out in the country. As the markets tighten and demand weakens, we expect Utah to continue outperforming others.” (Read More)
Utah Congressional delegation sends letter to Secretary Blinken over “unacceptable passport processing backlog”
U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Representatives Chris Stewart (R-UT), John Curtis (R-UT), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Blake Moore (R-UT) today sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken raising concerns over extreme delays in the processing of passports. The six Utah congressional offices are struggling to handle all incoming emergency requests due to the sheer volume of requests being received—a direct result of passport processing grinding to a near halt. Additionally, the Delegation renewed its request for the State Department to open a passport agency in Salt Lake City to give Mountain West residents an in-person option for passport services. This request is consistent with legislation passed in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Secretary of State to review the geographic diversity of passport agencies to identify areas of the country with both high demand and no in-person access. (Read More)
Water experts weigh in on availability of water this summer
Mother Nature has delivered a much needed, historic winter when it comes to snow and rainfall. So, what does this mean for our spring and summer watering plans? The added precipitation gives Utah the ability to build our “water savings accounts” and stop draining them. The extra water will help with two major goals. If Utahns will self-restrict outdoor water use these coming summer months, we help restore our water storage and importantly put some much-needed water into the Great Salt Lake. (Read More)
UIPA officially establishes Utah’s first-ever rural inland port
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the Iron Springs Project Area resolution, creating Utah’s first-ever rural inland port. The decision was made during UIPA’s board meeting held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kanarraville. The new Iron Springs Project Area covers 820 acres and is part of the Commerce Crossroads development. (Read More)
Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub submits application for U.S. Department of Energy funding grant
The Western Interstate Hydrogen Hub LLC (WIH2) submitted an application last week for a $1.25 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance the hydrogen economy in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The submission is in response to the DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to establish infrastructure-based hydrogen economies across America. WIH2’s H2Hub proposal identifies eight projects across the four states, with at least one project in each state. (Read More)
Utah finalists announced for 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Utah State Board of Education is pleased to announce the names of the five 2023 Utah finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Three finalists were selected for secondary mathematics teaching:
- Karen Feld, American Fork Junior High School, Alpine School District
- Todd Vawdrey, West High School, Salt Lake City School District
- Melissa Brown, Riverton High School, Jordan School District
Two finalists were selected for secondary science teaching:
- JoAnne Brown, Olympus Junior High School, Granite School District
- Wesley Morgan, Springville High School, Nebo School District (Read More)
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