In fact, a ballot question seeking millions from taxpayers to fund most of the Living Planet Aquarium's $43 million tab may not make it to voters for two years unless officials opt for a special election in 2005, the County Council decided Tuesday.
Despite the delay - and possibly fatal blow to the project - aquarium founder and president Brent Andersen remained optimistic.
"I don't know how anyone could be disappointed with the potential of $30 [million] to $35 million coming to the project," Andersen said after the council's unanimous 8-0 vote.
But the county's decision does put the aquarium in a tenuous position. It had until November - thanks to an extension from city officials - to raise $5.6 million or risk losing 4 acres for the project on the northwest corner of 400 South and 500 West. In April, aquarium backers had raised $1.8 million.
Andersen says proponents may buy the land, look elsewhere or seek another extension.
The latter may not be forthcoming.
"Unless somebody steps forward in a significant way with that [$5.6 million], it probably is a dead deal," City Councilman Carlton Christensen said. "We've met our obligation to them and then some. I don't think the votes would be there at all."
City Council members worry that with so many capital projects in the works - including The Leonardo cultural center, the proposed Utah Theatre renovation, a regional sports complex and possibly a soccer stadium - the aquarium would be draining private dollars from projects they believe have a better shot at success.
Voters may not have supported the aquarium had it been on this year's ballot. A recent poll by The Salt Lake Tribune found opinions split on the proposed bond.
Despite the push for the Nov. 2 ballot question, the County Council agreed Tuesday it was too late to figure out the details and thoroughly study the proposal.
"It's the more prudent course to put it on in a subsequent election," Councilman Russell Skousen said. "The idea is that we want to have everything worked out . . . do everything and more than we did with The Children's Museum."
Tuesday's decision was much different than one in 2002 when the county asked voters for $15 million to buy a building for The Children's Museum of Utah as long as the museum came up with $7.5 million in matching funds. Voters approved the measure and then discussions started about what would count as matching money from the museum.
As for 2004, Councilman Michael Jensen said the ballot already was too packed with elections for president, governor, senator, representatives, legislators and county offices along with a question about whether to renew the Zoo, Arts and Parks tax.
"We need to take care of what we currently have before we add more," he said.
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, who is out of the country on vacation, opposes the aquarium plan and urged the City Council - acting as the RDA board - in April to reclaim the aquarium land. His spokeswoman, Deeda Seed, said Tuesday it is clear an aquarium is not a priority for the community.
If the city terminates the lease for the 4 acres near Pioneer Park, it probably would have little trouble finding a replacement. The land is located near The Gateway and the intermodal hub, which, once built, will combine light rail, commuter rail and bus service.
tburr@sltrib.com;
hmay@sltrib.com
What comes next To keep its proposed location on the western edge of downtown Salt Lake City, the aquarium must finish raising $5.6 million by Nov. 15. If the money isn't raised, the city probably will end the lease of 4 acres to the aquarium, leaving the water attraction homeless.
If that happens, aquarium backers say they could try to buy the land or seek a new location. One county official suggests it partner with and locate near Hogle Zoo in Emigration Canyon. The city then would seek another developer for the prime land.
If the city extends the lease, the aquarium will have more time to raise money.
