This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West Jordan is asking the Legislature to chip in the $800,000 needed to start a $20 million transformation of the city's historic sugar factory.
Rep. Jim Bird, R-West Jordan, brought the proposal to the Economic Development and Revenue Appropriations Subcommittee Wednesday. No action was taken.
West Jordan plans to turn the factory, which sits behind City Hall near 8000 South and Redwood Road (1700 West), into a community arts center, complete with galleries and a theater. If granted, the state funding would be used to remove asbestos and stabilize the factory structures with seismic upgrades, said Mayor David Newton.
The city has hired a professional fundraiser to gather the remaining millions needed. - Rosemary Winters
