A recent report by WalletHub has positioned Eagle Mountain, Utah, as the 12th best city in the nation to kickstart a business venture.

The study, which evaluated over 1,300 small cities across the United States with populations ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 residents, identified Eagle Mountain among the top 30 optimal locations for entrepreneurial endeavors.

“The results of this study coincide with what I have experienced in speaking with and hearing from several business owners who have big plans for the future, ” says Economic Development Director Evan Berrett.

WalletHub’s rankings were determined by assessing various factors crucial to business success, including recent rates of small business growth, commute times, average business revenue, office space costs, working-age population growth, and cost of living.

Utah claimed a significant presence in the list, with Eagle Mountain securing its place alongside other notable cities such as Cedar City, St. George, and Lehi.

“The even better news is that this is just the beginning,” says Berrett. “Helping our small businesses be seen, have affordable spaces to grow into, and streamlining or cutting back the red tape is incredibly important to us, and we have great plans in coordination with the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce in the works.”

Eagle Mountain’s ranking as the 12th best city to launch a business highlights its favorable business climate and supportive community infrastructure.

The recognition of Eagle Mountain as a prime destination for budding entrepreneurs underscores the City’s commitment to supporting its businesses.

The Eagle Mountain City Water department announced a temporary road closure in Silverlake until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

The closure will affect Decrescendo Drive from Crestwood Circle to Crescendo Court. The road closure will allow Water department crews to replace the water service line. The service line extends from the water main to the water meter.

One home will be without water during the service line repair.

Motorists in traveling through that area of Silverlake will need to find an alternate route.

Project will complete the missing section between 2100 North and Porter Rockwell Boulevard, connecting 39 miles of corridor in Utah and Salt Lake counties

LEHI, Utah (April 12, 2024) – Construction is underway to connect Mountain View Corridor (MVC) from 2100 North in Lehi to Porter Rockwell Boulevard in Herriman. This is the first of many MVC freeway segments to be constructed and will complete the missing section between Utah and Salt Lake counties. “When complete, this project will provide drivers in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs better access to Salt Lake County,” MVC Project Director Andrew Jordan said.

The new freeway will have two travel lanes in each direction and a 12-foot-wide multiuse trail with seven grade-separated crossings. Construction is expected to last through early 2026.

“This project gets us one-step closer to fulfilling decades of planning to provide a fully functional freeway from SR-73 in Utah County to I-80 in Salt Lake County,” Jordan said.

Construction has started at the southern end of the project area. On April 17, southbound MVC traffic will shift to a temporary road for drivers traveling west of Redwood Road towards Saratoga Springs (see map). This shift will keep traffic moving while crews construct the MVC freeway ramps.

This approach minimizes impacts to the traveling public and enhances safety during construction. Drivers should slow down, use caution and follow the posted construction signs. This traffic shift is expected to be in place through late 2024. Current routes for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians can be found at mountainview.udot.utah.gov.

The public can get construction updates and the latest information on MVC by:

·       Joining the Facebook Group at www.facebook.com/groups/mountainviewcorridor.

·       Signing up for email updates at mountainview@utah.gov.

·       Visiting mountainview.udot.utah.gov.

·       Calling a project representative at 385-386-VIEW (8439).

For the latest information on traffic conditions, restrictions or patterns visit udottraffic.utah.gov or download the UDOT Traffic app.

Belle Street in Eagle Mountain is facing closures affecting some motorists. 

The closure, set to last until the end of the day Friday, is due to sewer infrastructure work at the school site. While the northern stretch will open from Arrival to the county road post-Friday, the southern segment towards SR-73 will stay closed until next Wednesday. 

Access to Wasatch Wing and Clay will be facilitated via the county road while the work is ongoing.

As road infrastructure continues across Utah County, the Utah Department of Transportation is sharing their major construction projects in 2024.

For Eagle Mountain residents, many of these projects could potentially impact their commute times. With over 34 projects underway in Region Three alone, it’s crucial for residents to understand how these developments will shape their transportation landscape.

Leading the charge is the highly anticipated Mountain View Corridor project, spearheaded by UDOT. With an impressive budget of $466 million, this endeavor aims to connect Utah and Salt Lake Counties, enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion. Noteworthy improvements include a four-mile expansion, a new intersection at Porter Rockwell Blvd., and enhancements to wildlife fencing and multi-use trails.

Additionally, Geneva Rd.in Orem is undergoing a significant transformation, with plans to widen the roadway to accommodate increased traffic flow. Stretching from University Parkway to the future Lakeview Parkway connection in Orem, this project will introduce two travel lanes in each direction along with a center turn lane, ensuring smoother navigation for commuters.

The Pleasant Grove interchange is set to receive capacity improvements, enhancing the intersection of Pleasant Grove Blvd. and North County Blvd. With expanded turning movements and upgraded traffic signals, this upgrade aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance safety for all road users.

Enhancements to State Street in American Fork are also anticipated, including widened lanes, turning lanes, and buffered bicycle lanes. These improvements aim to modernize the corridor while ensuring safer and more efficient travel for motorists and cyclists alike.

For more information on these projects and their respective timelines, residents are encouraged to visit the UDOT website or contact the provided hotlines for assistance. By staying informed and engaged, Eagle Mountain residents can play an active role in shaping the future of their transportation infrastructure.

In a recent survey of businesses in Eagle Mountain, positive trends for business investment remain intact.

The Eagle Mountain 2024 Business Climate Survey gathered responses from a range of businesses, shedding light on their experience, concerns and outlooks for their future in Eagle Mountain.

“We run this survey annually to stay on top of what the needs are of our local business owners/operators and to help eliminate barriers to starting or growing businesses in Eagle Mountain,” says Economic Development Director Evan Berrett.

Home-based businesses remain the bulk of enterprises in the community, constituting about 70% of respondents. The remaining 30% operated brick-and-mortar commercial establishments.

Commonalities for optimism and a desire for growth were noticed throughout the survey results.

One notable aspect is the expressed desire for business expansion, with a staggering 75% of businesses indicating their intention to grow. However, this ambition is tempered by challenges such as the rising costs of supplies, rent and difficulty hiring employees.

“We have all felt the pressures of the current economy on our personal lives,” says Berrett. “Businesses are experiencing these same pressures in their own way, making it tough to achieve their goals.”

Satisfaction with operating a business in Eagle Mountain is generally high, with 75% of respondents indicating satisfaction, or even very high satisfaction levels. However, concerns linger regarding affordability of leasing/rental space and regulatory hurdles.

Businesses stressed the importance of support from the City, with desires for grants, reduced taxes and fees, improved infrastructure, and advertising tools.

Despite facing certain challenges, businesses in Eagle Mountain maintain a positive outlook.

“It is exciting to see the amount of optimism in these responses, and the desire to do amazing things in Eagle Mountain,” says Berrett. “The City has come a long way in just the past 10 years, and we have so much more to look forward to.”

As the City continues to grow and evolve, businesses are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.

The survey results underscore the potential for future investment in the community.

Eagle Mountain City continues to support its landscape and wildlife conservation efforts.

Work will soon be underway to implement initiatives aimed at reducing water usage and promoting pollinator habitats, particularly for the monarch butterfly population.

The City is set to change some of the vegetation around City Hall to serve as a model for water-efficient landscaping. Spearheaded by discussions at the monthly Wildlife and Nature Education (WANE) meetings, the City has decided to embark on what staff has termed “pollinator projects.”

A crucial aspect of this endeavor involves creating monarch weigh stations, inspired by the advocacy of Rachel Taylor from Friends of Utah Monarchs. These stations will feature a variety of pollinator plants, including milkweed, strategically placed to attract and support monarch butterfly populations.

Notably, the City has sourced many of the plants locally, indicating their suitability for the region.

City Hall itself will see the change first, with plans to replace certain grass areas with drought-tolerant species. This move not only conserves water but also sets an example for residents to emulate in their own landscaping efforts.

Mayor Tom Westmore has given his approval to proceed with the initiatives, which align with broader efforts to engage with monarch conservation programs such as Monarch City USA and the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. These programs offer additional avenues for Eagle Mountain City to contribute to monarch conservation efforts at no cost.

Speaking on the matter, Wildlife Biologist Todd Black emphasized the importance of community involvement and expressed eagerness to share updates once the projects are completed.

As Eagle Mountain City takes proactive steps toward better environmental stewardship, it sets an example for municipalities striving to balance development with ecological responsibility.

Now is the time for Eagle Mountain residents to do a little spring cleaning.

The annual Spring Community Clean-up, is scheduled kick off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, and will continue until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. The Spring Community Clean-up will be hosted at Cory Wride Memorial Park. Residents can take advantage of dumpsters conveniently placed at the park, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily throughout the event.

A paper shredding truck will be made available, facilitating secure disposal of sensitive documents. This service will be available on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For those with larger items or additional waste, the Intermountain Regional Landfill in Fairfield will be operating extended hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. between April 18 and April 24. The landfill will close Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. T landfill will be closed on Sunday, April 21.

Eagle Mountain City staff emphasize the importance of responsible waste disposal, urging residents to adhere to guidelines regarding acceptable items for disposal. Yard waste, e-waste, and light household waste are welcome in the dumpsters, while items such as animal remains, paint and hazardous waste must be handled separately in compliance with safety regulations.

By working together and following established rules, residents can make the most of the Spring Community Clean-up.

For updates and inquiries regarding this event, residents are encouraged to connect with Eagle Mountain City on social media.

The 2024 statewide Utah ShakeOut is on April 18.

Utahns can participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home –practicing earthquake safety and other aspects of their emergency plans. Every citizens can be better prepared for major earthquakes, and practice how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both.

Utah has experienced 17 earthquakes greater than magnitude 5.5 since 1847, and geologic investigations of the region’s faults indicate a long history of repeated large earthquakes of M6.5 and greater prior to settlement.

Below are some resources to make your Shakeout activities more engaging for your family or workplace.

Earthquake Safety Video Series Learn how you can stay safe from shaking in a variety of situations. (YouTube, captions in English, Spanish, and French)

Audio and Video “Drill Broadcast” recordings created to provide instructions during your Drop, Cover, Hold On drill.

Make a Grab-and-Go Kit (fun video by Be Ready Utah)