Salt Palace funding is in works

It's not too often liberal Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson and conservative state lawmakers gather around the table and sing "Kumbaya."

But that's what happened Friday as city, county and state leaders put aside political differences and hashed out what might be a workable funding solution for Salt Palace Convention Center expansion.

Still, optimism was tempered Friday by Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, saying he was "lukewarm" to the plan and didn't like the idea of $4 million in state funds going toward the expansion.

"I'm not overly thrilled about the state coming in with additional funds," Valentine said.

"I'm lukewarm, but I'm willing to take it to the caucus."

Not ready to fully back the deal himself, Valentine said he will make Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, present the plan to the Republican caucus April 19 when GOP senators examine the agenda for a planned special legislative session. Valentine said he will probably vote whatever way the caucus decides.

Friday's meeting took place at City Hall with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.; House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy; Waddoups; Anderson; County Mayor Peter Corroon and other community leaders in attendance. Valentine participated via telephone.

Out of that meeting Waddoups and Curtis agreed the state should kick in $4 million for Salt Palace Convention Center expansion and said they want Huntsman to place the issue on the special legislative session planned for April 19.

As part of the deal Salt Lake City agreed to pitch in $8 million for expansion, with a 50-cent surcharge on tickets at the South Towne Expo Center bringing another $1.8 million for the project.

While Huntsman left the meeting before the deal was announced, the governor's legislative liaison Mike Mower said that with the backing of legislative leadership Salt Palace expansion will likely make the special session agenda, set by the governor.

"Because there is little controversy, it almost certainly will be on the call" for a special session, Mower said.

Curtis stressed that while he backs the plan it doesn't mean the rest of the Legislature will go for it in a special session.

"This is what the speaker is willing to take to the House; this is what the president is willing to take to the Senate," Curtis said.