WASHINGTON – Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Chair of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, co-sponsored the University of Utah Research Park Act 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. The University of Utah Research Park Act prevents the Research Park from losing this land so it can continue to serve the University and Utahns across the state.

“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.“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.”

“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. “It is imperative that we protect Research Park. I am grateful to introduce this legislation with the support of my colleagues in Utah’s congressional delegation.”

“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. “Research Park and other centers across the state are vital for advancements in many industries and I am proud of this important effort.” 

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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