PORTLAND, Me  — The U.S. Forest Service authorized the Uinta Basin Railway Thursday, connecting the eastern part of Utah with other national rail networks.

Gov. Spencer Cox said in a press release he was “elated by today’s news.”

“This is a huge victory that will get Utah energy to market faster, more cleanly, more safely, and will help the economies of eastern Utah,” Cox said. “State and local governments, the Ute Tribe, energy producers and rail companies have been making the argument for decades that improved access to the outside world will help the Basin diversify its economy. Without a doubt, this infrastructure will improve economic opportunities for individuals, families and businesses. We’re excited to see the potential of this region unleashed.”

The Uintah Basin is rich in natural resources including hydrocarbons, phosphates, and other minerals critical to America’s economy. However, for years it has been one of the largest areas of the western U.S. without any rail or freeway connections.

The release states, “Without rail, interstate highway and major airport service, Duchesne and Uintah Counties have been at a major competitive disadvantage when trying to attract business investment and residents have had very limited employment prospects.”

The new rail will open up transportation options for natural resources as well as agricultural products, manufactured goods and more.