Tax money sought for hotel

Daniels added Pleasant Grove is anxious to complete the deal quickly, as the city's land deal is set to close by the end of November.

As of Tuesday, county commissioners did not have an up-to-date copy of the proposed interlocal agreement, and they requested to consider the decision when they had the correct documents. It is expected the commission will discuss the agreement within the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, Pleasant Grove's proposal needn't cause problems for other cities trying to make plans for a convention center, Commissioner Steve White said.

"There really isn't competition," White said. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't see anything that would change anything that would happen in Provo or Orem or Lehi or anywhere else because of this."

Provo officials are seeking a partnership with the county on a proposed $32 million, 80,000-square-foot facility adjacent to the Provo Marriott in downtown Provo.

White said room rates for Hammons' proposed hotels would likely hover around $284 a night, and discounts aren't given for conventions. Because of the room rates, White said, the convention center will likely draw a different customer base than other proposed convention centers.

"If there's a demand out there for that kind of facility, (Hammons) will be very successful," White said. "If there isn't, it will be very difficult. It will be interesting to see if Utah County has come that far, that fast."

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