Rep. James Gowans, D-Tooele, said when the state condemned the old Coliseum arena in the 1990s, a promise was made to rebuild a new indoor arena at the fairpark.
Gowans now is trying to make good on that promise, requesting $10 million for the project.
The request made Monday to the Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee also has the support of the Days of '47 committee. Days of '47 is looking for a home for its annual rodeo in 2009 due to a scheduling conflict at EnergySolutions Arena with the Outdoor Retailer Summer convention. The rodeo could possibly make the Fairpark it's new home.
"I remember going to the fairgrounds with my dad to see the rodeo, this is bringing it home," said Rep. Neal Hendrickson, D-West Valley City, a Days of '47 committee member.
Lawmakers have taken no action yet on this and other funding requests.
- Billy Hesterman
