Utah Inland Port Authority loan to fund wells moves forward; UIPA official outlines repayment via future tax capture

Jenna Draper of the Utah Inland Port Authority updated the Fairfield Town Council on Jan. 21 about a loan intended to fund water infrastructure and wells.

Draper said the loan has cleared the AIB committee stage and remains to be processed through the legislative appropriations committee now that the legislative session has begun. "Right now, we are at the stage where it just needs to go through the legislative appropriations committee," she said, adding that once appropriations are finalized a formal contract will be prepared and the town will receive the funds.

Draper described repayment mechanics: the loan is structured to be repaid from captured future property‑tax growth in the industrial park and adjacent development. "Of that increase, we can capture 75%, and we've taken the loan against that 75% so that the town of Fairfield doesn't have to come up with it and the citizens don't have to pay it back," Draper said. She added there is a five‑year hiatus on payback to allow development and differential tax revenues to start flowing.

Council discussion touched on how the funds will be distributed once appropriated, the planned uses for well drilling and infrastructure, and past public criticism alleging a "water grab" by the town; meeting participants said those allegations were incorrect and that the loan is tied to future tax increments rather than current town bank accounts.

What happens next: The loan will be routed through the legislative appropriations process; Draper said she will provide periodic reports and work with the town on contracting and implementation steps if the appropriation is finalized.