SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State Fairpark supporters have cobbled together an expansive proposal for a new $17 million stadium to host such events as the Days of ’47 Rodeo, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pledging $3 million in support.

The proposal was unveiled Wednesday and received a vote of support in the interim meeting of the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee. Afterward, it was discussed among members of the House GOP caucus.

House leadership is urging Gov. Gary Herbert to call a special session in July for lawmakers to discuss $10 million in state funding for the 10,000-seat stadium.

"It’s exciting. There’s lots of community and stakeholder interest. I think taxpayers and the state of Utah could see an asset and a resource on that state fairground,” House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

At the committee hearing, a letter of support from the presiding bishopric of the LDS Church was introduced that authorizes a $3 million contribution enabling the Days of ’47 Rodeo to relocate to the Utah State Fairpark.

The rodeo is annually staged at what is now the Vivint Smart Home Arena in downtown Salt Lake City, but it is logistically challenging to transport livestock to and from the fairgrounds for the nightly shows.

"We express our appreciation for your leadership on the project to upgrade the fairgrounds and feel confident that it would be a marvelous blessing for the people of the state of Utah," the letter reads.

The rest of the funds would come from contributors that include Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City.

A new arena has the potential to generate $1 million in net revenue on an annual basis, said Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, "which is good for the state and good for the Fairpark because that way they can become self-sustaining and we are able to upgrade the facilities and keep the facilities going."

The Utah Legislature has struggled for years to come up with a way to make the Utah State Fairpark a viable operation that does not operate in the red, with the natural resources committee ultimately designating a pair of its members to lead a solution-finding mission.

Lawmakers have grappled with entirely privatizing the fair, moving it altogether and potentially seeing the property developed, and over time instituted changes to the management structure.

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Bill aims to make Utah State Fairpark more profitable

Each year the Utah State Fair makes money during its 10-day run, but it is not enough revenue to keep on top of maintenance issues or make upgrades to decades-old buildings. Legislation would give more flexibility to the board to enter into leases.

The annual fair itself generates more money than it costs to put on, but aging buildings have needed costly repairs, and events held during other times of the year have not generated enough money to keep the Fairpark self-sufficient.

In 2015, plans for an $18 million minor league soccer stadium at the Fairpark fell apart after a political impasse among Utah lawmakers, where disagreement erupted in the House over the proposal by Monarchs owner Dell Loy Hansen.

At the time, Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, said some lawmakers were complaining it was a "sweetheart deal" for developers, but he stressed then it was the only time the state had not been expected to cough up any money for a Fairpark investment.

Roger Beattie, chairman of the Utah State Fairpark Board, said the open-air stadium will serve a multiuse function to host large-scale events year-round and be owned by the state of Utah.

Other events that would be held at the new stadium include the World Series of Barrel Racing, a competition that Beattie said would bring 5,000 participants to the Salt Lake City area.

Herbert's spokesman Jon Cox said the governor will review the proposal in detail and any decision to call a special session will be made at a later date.

Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

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