24-02-2025
Bill to help fund Salt Palace redevelopment passes committee
SALT LAKE CITY () — A bill that would pave the way for Salt Lake County to help fund the redevelopment of the Salt Palace Convention Center got a thumbs up in a Senate committee on Monday.
S.B. 306, otherwise known as 'Convention Center Investment Amendments,' got its favorable recommendation behind a 3-1 vote from the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee, with three absent.
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Sen. Daniel McCay (R-Riverton) said Salt Lake County asked for the bill as a way to help finance their ability to replace parts of the convention that will be redeveloped into the .
The bill itself does not create any new revenue streams or increase any tax but instead reallocates money from the fourth-quarter transportation fund – a source of revenue Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said can afford to be redistributed.
Wilson said aside from a few canyon roads, Salt Lake County is 'wall-to-wall city and state roads.' Reallocating a portion of money from the fourth-quarter transportation fund will still allow the county to maintain its few roads while also completing transportation projects and investing in the Salt Palace.
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'We feel this is a good purpose. The rebuilding of the Salt Palace is a win for the community,' said Wilson. 'The creation of the sports entertainment culture and convention district is an absolute win for the community. The thing that excites me the most is the idea that we can connect our assets.'
The exact look of a revitalized Salt Palace Convention Center – which regularly hosts large events such as FanX and Outdoor Retailer – is still unclear. Mayor Wilson, however, said that once completed, the building will integrate better with Salt Lake City, making it easier for the public to get around.
Sen. Wayne Harper (R-West Jordan) was the lone vote against the bill, only saying he was 'not quite there yet' on the bill. Harper indicated he has had conversations with Sen. McCay and a substitute version of the amendments may be on the way.
S.B. 306 will now head toward the Senate Floor where it will face a full vote. If passed, it will be sent to Utah's House of Representatives for further review.
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