SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — More than 15 million people visited Utah’s national parks in 2023, spending billions and helping create jobs to add $3 billion to the state economy, according to the National Parks Service.

In a newly released report, visitors to Utah’s 13 national parks spent an estimated $1.9 billion and supported over 26,000 jobs. It’s the third highest in the nation, behind only California and North Carolina.

“Whether it’s science, adventure, history or scenery, Utah’s national parks leave the more than 15 million visitors marveling,” said Kate Hammond, NPS Intermountain Regional Director. “Investments into Utah national parks give back to communities and these visitors support the state’s economy.”

So where are Utah’s visitors spending their money?

Three Utah-based real estate coaches barred from teaching, ordered to refund $2.8M

According to the National Parks Service, more than $700 million – or about 40% of visitor spending – is on lodging such as hotels. Next about $306 million (16%) is spent on restaurants. Other spending includes gas, recreation, shopping, groceries, and camping.

The 2023 numbers mark another rise in Utah’s tourism industry since the sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, national park visitors spent only $878 million in Utah. That number rebounded past pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and has continued to grow in the years since.

Nationwide, more than 325 million people visited national parks in 2023, spending an estimated $26.4 billion. As it was in Utah, most of that spending was on lodging and restaurants.

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

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The University of Utah has announced that its research funding reached $691 million in fiscal year 2024 (FY24), which concluded June 30, 2024.

The funding achievement marks the fifth consecutive year the university has secured funding levels exceeding $600 million. The year’s total continues the impressive trend established by previous milestones of $600 million in 2020 and $500 million in 2018.

As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the U is known for its broad spectrum of disciplines and studies. The fiscal year’s funding supports groundbreaking initiatives from multiple fields, including energy research, rural healthcare, environmental studies, artificial intelligence, cancer treatment, mental health support, technological innovation, and more.

“The University of Utah’s status as an R1 institution reflects our extensive portfolio, which spans from creative arts and healthcare to air quality and the Great Salt Lake,” said Erin Rothwell, vice president for research at the University of Utah. “As the state’s flagship university, we strive to tackle critical research needs and solutions that benefit Utahns and communities across the state.”

Research funding by the numbers

In total, U researchers were awarded more than 2,600 grants in FY24. The federal government remains the primary source of this funding, contributing 65% of the total research portfolio, with industry accounting for 14% and 8% from partner universities. Of the $691 million in research funding, $489 million was provided by federal sponsors including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Veteran Affairs, state governmententities, and other key agencies.

U research impacts society’s most pressing challenges and issues

Through award funding, the university’s research community is implementing meaningful advancements that make a real-world impact. The dollars behind the achievement will support critical studies to develop new treatments and prevention for addiction, chronic pain, and depression. Additionally, the funding is advancing research aimed at safeguarding power grids and electricity during extreme weather events, improving maternal health care and reducing pregnancy-related deaths, and enhancing memory and cognition for those suffering fromneurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The university’s research funding from sponsors is crucial for finding solutions to both local and global challenges.

U research is a major economic engine for the state of Utah

In pursuit of impactful solutions for society, the U’s research activities extend beyond academic advancement. U research is also a major catalyst for economic development and growth within the state. In FY24, more than 7,500 university employees were compensated through research dollars, which have contributed more than $850 million in wages over the past four years.

In addition to supporting jobs, the U’s research expenditures totaled $33 million in Utah, supporting numerous vendors and local businesses within the state and $155 million across the U.S.

“The University of Utah is committed to leading in research, discovery, and innovation that transform lives and drive economic growth,” said Taylor Randall, president of the university. “Our FY24 funding milestone reflects the dedication of our researchers, students, and staff tackling today’s most pressing challenges. Together, we are advancing knowledge, strengthening Utah’s economy, and enhancing the quality of life in our communities and beyond.”

FCS opponent or not, it’s hard to argue with a 49-0 shutout.

In its season-opening win over Southern Utah, quarterback Cam Rising returned to Rice-Eccles Stadium and threw for 254 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in just one half, running back Dijon Stanley had 150 receiving yards and two touchdowns and tight end Brant Kuithe, in his return, had three touchdowns.

The Utes finished the first half with a 35-0 lead and 339 yards of total offense with the first-stringers in for the first two quarters.

There is always something for every college football team to improve on each week, and this week, the Utes are looking to make strides in the ground game.

Utah entered the season without a clear lead running back, and after the win over the Thunderbirds, that’s still the case.

“I think exactly what we anticipated going into the game would be by committee, we wouldn’t really have an RB1, and right now we’re in the same boat, which is not a bad thing,” Whittingham said.

Micah Bernard got the first carries of the game and rushed for 33 yards on five carries (6.6 yards per carry), Mike Mitchell had 21 yards on six carries (3.5 ypc) and Jaylon Glover had 15 yards on four carries (3.75 ypc).

Stanley had an impressive performance — in addition to his two receiving touchdowns, Stanley had 34 yards on six carries — and while the Utes will continue to use him and expand his package of plays, Whittingham said that he’s not ready yet to make the jump to an “every-down back.”

All three players in the primary running back trio had their moments — Bernard had a team-high 16-yard-rush, Mitchell had a key fourth-down conversion and a touchdown (though he did fumble, but recovered it), and Glover had a 14-yard run (but was stuffed on his three other carries).

“I was pleased with Mike Mitchell, what he showed. Obviously, Dijon Stanley out the backfield as a receiver and also running the ball, did some good things. Got a lot of faith and confidence in Micah Bernard, Charlie Vincent and Jaylon Glover, and I think the O-line is really going to be something special for this football team,” offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig said.

The Utes rushed for 185 yards against Southern Utah, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Whittingham said on Monday that he thought Utah ran the ball “just OK” and that he’d like to see that stat improve to over five yards per carry.

Against Utah, Southern Utah frequently stacked the box, limiting Utah’s running ability but setting up one-on-one oppunrtunies elsewhere on the field. Time after time, the Utes exploited those matchups, leading to multiple wide-open touchdowns from Stanley and Kuithe.

“It was a throw-first game plan. I thought we ran the ball efficiently there,” Ludwig said.

Indeed, in the first half, Utah threw the ball 17 times compared to 12 designed running plays, but the play calls were in part in response to Southern Utah’s defensive scheme.

In order for the Utes’ offense to take the next step, they need more production from the run game, and that should start this week. Utah could very well end up with a positive pass/run split when Saturday’s game is over, but Baylor won’t stack the box nearly as often as Southern Utah did, and the Utes will have an opportunity to get their ground game going more than they did in the season opener. With a credible passing threat, unlike last year, things should open up a bit and Utah’s running backs should see more success this season.

While the Utes have stuck with a running-back-by-committee approach a few times in Whittingham era, the majority of the time, a lead running back has emerged. Saturday’s game against Baylor could be key for Utah to really begin nailing down the pecking order in the backfield.