An independent assessment of potential social impacts of the newly initiated inland port in Salt Lake City, United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT State and local authorities in Utah, the United States, have initiated a new inland port project in Salt Lake City amidst unresolved controversies and disagreements. While a proper social impact assessment (SIA) can help address the manifold concerns of the community, there is currently no indication authorities of the new inland port are considering such an assessment. To help ameliorate this situation, at least in part, we conduct an independent limited scope SIA of the project. Our efforts are twofold: 1) examining whether project-related actions taken so far comport with SIA protocols and principles; and 2) anticipating potential impacts of the project on crime, housing cost, and unemployment. We find that some actions undertaken by project officials comport with SIA principles, although they fall short of what is needed to fully address residents’ concerns. The project may also generate positive consequences, exemplified by long-term reduction in unemployment, and negative ones, exemplified by a modest increase in crime. As part of our conclusion, we recommend that port authorities should conduct a full-scale SIA, given the potential benefits of such an endeavor