Utah County commissioners pick contractor for convention center

PROVO — Utah County commissioners Tuesday selected Okland Construction Co. to build a $38 million convention center in downtown Provo.

The project is scheduled to be completed by February 20, 2012.

In the next two months, crews will begin demolition of 200 West, between Center and 100 North, near the Provo Marriott, and then begin construction of the three-story, 120,000-square-foot building in late August or early September, said Commissioner Steve White.

Don Nay, associate public works director, said a seven-member screening group evaluated eight construction proposals and unanimously agreed on Okland. Nay said Okland promised to do the project for $82,000 cheaper than the next lowest estimate, putting the cost of the project just under $38 million.

In January, the county issued $40.15 million in bonds to pay for the convention center, including tax-exempt bonds, Build America Bonds and recovery zone bonds, said Bryan Thomson, Utah County clerk/auditor. The bonds will be paid back over the next 30 years with Tourism, Recreation, Cultural and Convention Tax revenue. The total principal plus interest for Utah County will be $69.75 million.

The planned convention center has been somewhat of a hot topic among candidates for Utah County Commission.

Doug Witney, the only Republican for commission seat B to make it out of convention last week, said there was not enough openness in the decision-making process. Witney said he didn't even know about the convention center until he signed up to run for commissioner.

Commissioner Larry Ellertson said the county has held public hearings and open meetings concerning the building of the convention center.

Witney said he's also worried that the current road infrastructure will not be able to handle the amount of people the convention center will attract.

Joel Wright, who will face incumbent Gary Anderson in a Republican primary in June, said Utah County needs a convention center but wishes the current commissioners had been more open about who would be paying for the center.

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