During the May 26, 2021, County Commission meeting there was an item on the agenda that stated, “APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION CHAIR TO SIGN AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN UTAH COUNTY AND THE EAGLE MOUNTAIN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE SWEETWATER INDUSTRIAL PARK COMMUNITY PROJECT AREA #2” This new industrial park will be built adjacent to the current Facebook data center. The name of the company building the new data center has not been released as of yet. It will consist of two parcels of 160+ acres each, or over 300 acres.
The deal would include tax incentives, one of which would be paid back to the taxing entities as an Affordable Housing Subsidy. Bill Lee wants to keep 100% of that subsidy at the county level and not share it with Eagle Mountain. Amelia Powers Gardner also agreed that the money would be better used by the county than the city and it is needed in other areas in the county. The Daily Herald reported that Lee insists the money goes to the County, and not Eagle Mountain.
During a Utah County Commission meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Bill Lee said he had “negotiated” with the company proposing to build the data center, which he did not name, and said he “asked some really, really super hard questions with the company and with their firm that represents them.”
“I see my role as one where I’m negotiating on behalf of the citizens of Utah County, and trying to find a place and pattern that makes sense as we’re competing in a worldwide market,” Lee said.
As part of his negotiations, Lee suggested that the county receive 100% of affordable housing subsidies included in the project, meaning none of that money would go to Eagle Mountain.
“It’s the ability for the county to be able to use that, and so I see it as a benefit countywide,” Lee said.
Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said she agreed with Lee’s suggestion. “I don’t know what their plan is, I don’t know how much affordable housing they plan to put in their city or how many single-family homes they plan to put in their city, but I know that there’s a lot of other areas in the county that could really utilize that money. So I think it sounds like a good idea.”
Commissioner Tom Sakievich asked whether it would be better to split the affordable housing subsidies 50-50 with Eagle Mountain “to keep the city some funds coming to them for that future need that they’re going to have.”
“I’m pretty stubborn at the 100%,” said Lee. “I’ll just tell you.”
The commission voted unanimously to approve the interlocal agreement with the Eagle Mountain Development Agency with the amendment suggested by Lee.
The Eagle Mountain City Council will be voting on the plan as the Redevelopment Agency on Jun 1st.
Supporting Documents
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.