Already developers like Boyer Corp. and Woodbury have told city officials that a developer would have to spend between $25 million and $30 million just to turn the mall around. "You have to spend a lot to really turn it around," Garlick said. So far no developer has offered to take on the mall.

The project also faces a budget shortfall. According to the city's redevelopment budget, it will cost $22.7 million to purchase land, rebuild infrastructure and put in landscaping. However, estimates show that the tax-increment financing from the area would only bring in $15.6 million in usable funds.

Brooks said the City Council may have to consider throwing in the $7 million in additional tax dollars to make the plan float.

Those on the RDA committee acknowledged that a lot of money is involved in trying to kick-start a downtown for West Valley City, but, they said, the alternative is to lose the mall completely and have the city's center continue to decline in value.

Although Costco has yet to make a definite deal, officials said they expect the store could be open by 2007.

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E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com