The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced June 11 that Lunar Resources will construct a new factory in Salt Lake County, a project expected to create more than 400 high-paying jobs and drive $85 million in investment into the state over the next decade.
New factory details and incentives
The incentive, awarded through the Economic Development Tax Increment Financing program, provides a post-performance tax reduction for the company's HELIX-1 Factory. According to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the facility will specialize in pulsed power technologies used for defense, energy, and space applications.
Company leadership on Utah expansion
Jefferson Moss, commissioner of the GOED, stated that the expansion aligns with Utah's focus on manufacturing and technology. The company's CEO, Elliot Carol, noted that the move to Utah was driven by the need to scale operations for Helix Driver technology and the state's supportive business environment.
Ikon Pass summer access updates
In a separate development regarding regional recreation, Ikon Pass announced June 16 that its Wasatch Gravity Pass offers unlimited summer access to both Deer Valley and Solitude. The pass includes lift-served mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides.
Benefits for Ikon Pass holders
Pass holders also receive 15% discounts on select dining, retail, and full-suspension mountain bike rentals, as well as early access to certain summer festivals.
Federal education administration changes
On a federal level, the U.S. Department of Education announced on November 18, 2025, that it had signed six new interagency agreements to redistribute administrative responsibilities among several departments. The goal of these partnerships with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State is to reduce federal bureaucracy.
Goals of new interagency agreements
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated the initiative aims to return education management to the states. Under the new agreements, the Department of Labor will take on a larger role in administering certain K-12 and postsecondary education programs.
