Colleges, cancer center get bonds

For just over $156 million, three state universities will be getting new buildings and five Utah cities will likely be getting new or improved liquor stores.

HB5, the annual revenue bonding bill — which pops up during the final days of nearly every legislative session and often catches at least some legislators off-guard because of its size or the authorized projects — was unveiled Monday. Included in it are projects such as a new wing for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a new Shakespearean theater at Southern Utah University, a new parking structure at the University of Utah, and a new early childhood research center at Utah State University.

Four new liquor stores will also be built, with two in Utah County, one in either Heber City or Midway and one in Washington County. The existing liquor store in Cedar City will be upgraded and expanded.

While the bonding authorizations mean that the buildings will become reality, not everyone was thrilled. Utah Shakespearean Festival founder Fred Adams had high hopes that the Tony Award-winning festival would receive $5 million in state funding this year, instead of having to bond for the new theater and pay their debts from future donations and ticket sales.

The money would have supplemented private donations that are pledged for the construction of the $32 million theater.

"At the last minute, the $5 million was stripped from us," Adams said on Monday. "We're not going to get a dime of state money."

The Shakespeare Festival's outdoor wood theater structure, built in 1981, has deteriorated to the point that it must be replaced within the next few years, Adams said. A new theater, complete with a retractable roof and rehearsal halls, would allow the festival to produce shows year round.

On the other hand, others receiving bonding authorizations were thrilled. Mary Beckerle, executive director for Huntsman Cancer Institute, said that they were very excited for the $90 million bond for a new wing.

"This is an exciting opportunity to further integrate our outstanding cancer research and clinical care," she said in a news release.

According to information given to legislators, the expansion will add 117,000 square feet just north of the existing hospital. It will house new operating rooms, expanded outpatient clinics, 50 new hospital patient rooms, 25 new exam rooms and room for three new, high-tech, cancer detection machines.