This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The report from the Prison Relocation and Development Authority has been submitted to the Legislature ("Move the Draper prison, committee says," Tribune, Feb. 5). Big surprise: PRADA recommended sale of the Draper prison property and relocation of the prison "somewhere."
PRADA used creative accounting methods coupled with sophomoric reasoning, e.g., "It's the right thing to do," and "Turn us loose and we will make it happen."
PRADA claims 40,000 jobs will be housed on the "high-tech business corridor." The 40,000 jobs would create added traffic congestion along the I-15 corridor; additional pollution would be handled with shovels.
Lowball $102 million "net cost" for the move doesn't include more freeway lanes (where will that land come from?) and on/off ramps. PRADA doesn't worry about such small details as hardship for employees, visitors, volunteers, etc. at a new location.
The only number submitted that has any credence is the $130 million needed to purchase the property. Someone already knows that amount will be accepted. Our Legislature will give the recommendations a hearty approval.
The insiders can't be shamed into really doing the right thing because potential profits are immense. Let's stop them. Write and phone your legislators.
Donald J. Justesen
Price