And Draper isn't the only city hoping to benefit from a prison move. Bluffdale city leaders are also making plans for development on the site that would abut the city's boundaries.

"Bluffdale has no economic engine; this could really jump-start their economy," Rappleye said.

While Bluffdale officials do not yet have any concrete plans, the area could be used to amplify commercial development near the 14600 South interchange.

"Certainly the prison being there probably is a deterrent right now. Without that, with other kinds of businesses and stuff going in there, it would definitely be a benefit for Bluffdale," planning director Blaine Gehring said.

Bluffdale development has been creeping toward the prison in recent years, with homes inching closer to the facility. An additional 600-acre mixed-use development, incorporating commercial and residential units, has been proposed just south of 14600 South near the freeway offramp.

"We'll be interested to see what comes out of the study too," administrative services director Brent Bluth said. "We'll be waiting right along with the rest of the public to see what's going to happen or if it will be possible or what's going to come of it."

If the prison does relocate, Bluth added that the new growth will bring plenty of transportation and infrastructure impacts. Bluth said he hopes the feasibility study addresses those challenges.

The prison relocation will also remove the stigma many residents feel about being home to the correctional facility, Keck added. Several retailers have shied away from building close to the prison grounds and residents have long complained about the light pollution from the bright, all-night lights.

"We might lose that epic of our history, and, frankly, that might be OK," Keck said.

---

E-mail: estewart@desnews.com, dsmeath@desnews.com