Calling Tuesday's presentation "very impressive," Salt Lake County Council members voted 8-1 to extend their review for a month before deciding whether to place a $34.3 million bond on November's ballot.

The reprieve surprised many observers, who predicted the council would deep-six plans to ask voters to help pay for construction of the 90,000-square-foot inland-sea attraction.

"We're very much alive," aquarium board member David Wolf said after the vote. "Ultimately, we want the people to make the [funding] decision."

Standing amid tanks teeming with red Swedish Fish - the candy represented the 300,000 people who have toured the temporary fish exhibits since June 2004 - aquarium officials outlined the merits of a project they hail as a "total sensory experience."

An aquarium - slated for 400 South and 500 West in downtown Salt Lake City - would lure all age groups, be open all but two days a year and could partner with The Gateway's soon-to-open Children's Museum and nearby restaurants, officials explained. They also say it would receive $12 million in private money before any public cash is committed.

"It will make it - if given the chance," said Arthur Benjamin, chairman of the aquarium board.

The vote on whether to place the bond on the ballot now will come in mid-August.

But the issue faces potential competition, including a possible $895 million bond for new TRAX lines and possible bonds for open space, fire stations and new recreation projects.

Those "priorities" still pose the biggest obstacle for the aquarium, noted Councilman Michael Jensen.

"They go more to the core services of government," he said. But "you've improved your position today."

Councilman Mark Crockett agreed, saying Tuesday's pitch made a "surprisingly positive impression."

Crockett suggests Salt Lake City's Redevelopment Agency consider extending its June 2008 deadline on using the lot near Pioneer Park for the aquarium. In addition, he wants county leaders to consider buying the property to preserve the option of landing the aquarium.

County leaders will spend the next month discussing those ideas before they vote.

Before the presentation, aquarium supporters handed out foam-style hats depicting lobsters and sharks, donned by at least a dozen kids and some adults.

Wolf used still more props when he pulled out an uneaten Wendy's combo meal to demonstrate the price of the project for the average county resident.

"For the cost of one value meal, we get a world-class aquarium," he said, emphasizing the bond would require $5.50 a year on a $200,000 home.

The county's Debt Review Committee gave a favorable recommendation for the project with one caveat: It will require an operating subsidy - a point that worries county leaders.

But the financial board also found that a fish palace would draw significant attendance. Aquarium officials project that number would top 700,000 a year, nearly matching the masses that flock to Hogle Zoo.

Said aquarium board director Tom Markuse: "We'll have the most amazing, exotic, colorful fish."

For now, the idea remains afloat.

djensen@sltrib.com

What's next

The Salt Lake County Council will vote next month on whether to place a $34.3 million aquarium bond on the Nov. 7 ballot. The bond would increase property taxes by about $5.50 a year on a $200,000 home.