If the federal government declares a massive flood zone across the street, what does that mean for Salt Lake City's planned 160-acre sports complex, which also abuts the Jordan River, but has no levee?

Environmentalists are asking that question in light of an engineering report that says the Federal Emergency Management Agency "very likely" will decertify a two-mile stretch of tree-infested levee between Redwood Road and North Temple.

"Politically, they'll be forced to dike it to protect the multimillion-dollar investment," says Ty Harrison, a board member with TreeUtah. "That's what everyone's afraid of."

Zoom in on the county flood control's Google Earth software and the complex site stands out in pink and bright red as a flood zone. What's more, even before the floods of 1983-84, the Army Corps of Engineers declared that the acreage between Redwood Road and Interstate 215 at 2200 North should be a "retention basin," according to County Engineer Neil Stack. He says it is the city's responsibility, not the county's, to protect that area (and the $40 million, 20-field investment) from future flooding. "That's up to them."

The city hopes to start building phase one this year, armed with a $15.3 million voter-approved bond and a $7.5 million "gift" from Real Salt Lake. The blueprint includes a nature preserve, which Mayor Ralph Becker is committed to, according to City Councilman Carlton Christensen.

"Even if they got flooded, it's not like they would stay flooded on a permanent basis," he says about the fields. "If I had to take an area that would take a 100-year flood, a recreation complex would be my first choice."

But Ray Wheeler, an urban planner and environmental activist, says building fields without flood protection is irresponsible. He points to "clear documentary evidence" the area was underwater in the mid-1980s.

"To do that with taxpayer dollars post-Katrina," he says, "is insanity and political suicide."