This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Lawmakers made some pitches Wednesday for money that could transform the Utah State Fairpark.
Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, asked appropriators for $3 million for a study on possibly constructing a new building to house the State Department of Agriculture at the fairgrounds, or across the street at the White ballpark.
Proposals have called for the agriculture department possibly sharing a new expo center at the fairgrounds to help attract more events there at times besides the fair. If built at White ballpark, it might also include a parking facility that could help with parking for events at the fairgrounds.
Harper said the study would help decide the best place for the building, and how it might tie in with plans for the fair park.
Sen. Kevin Van Tassell, R-Vernal, also requested $3 million as a state share for construction of a new multi-purpose arena. He said it could host rodeo, concerts and other events to help fund the fair park.
He is expected to introduce a bill later this week to outline other steps on how to fund and manage the park in the future.
— Lee Davidson