SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert called a special session for Wednesday for lawmakers to consider approving $10 million toward a new stadium at the Utah State Fairpark and to toughen penalties for flying drones near wildfires.

“This summer, wildfires in the state have become significantly worse due to drones interrupting air operations," Herbert said. "It is dangerous and completely unacceptable, and this legislation takes steps to ensure that our emergency management personnel are safe and empowered to do their jobs effectively.”

Firefighters several times this year have had to ground their planes or choppers because of interference from unauthorized unmanned aircraft.

Lawmakers will take up multiple other issues, including grandparents' visitation rights that became a controversial issue via a bill sponsored by Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper. Herbert, citing concerns over adoptive parents' rights, vetoed the measure.

The funding proposal for the Utah State Fairpark arose in June during interim meetings where board chairman Roger Beattie detailed an expansive proposal that includes a $3 million donation pledged by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A new stadium at the Fairpark would enable the Days of '47 Rodeo to relocate its weeklong celebration to a permanent home.

Beattie shared a letter of support from the Presiding Bishopric of the LDS Church that authorizes the donation for the 10,000-seat stadium. The rest of the funding would come from Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and other contributors.

Both House and Senate leadership indicated their willingness to support the stadium proposal, which would solve the logistical problems associated with staging the event at the Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City.

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Plans unveiled for new $17M Fairpark stadium; special session on table

Supporters of a planned $17 million stadium at the Utah State Fairpark want Gov. Gary Herbert to call a special session in July to approve $10 million for a proposal that includes a $3 million pledge of support from the LDS Church.

Supporters say the new arena has the potential to generate $1 million in revenue, with multiple groups that have committed to put on large events such as the World Series of Barrel Racing. Beattie said that competition would bring 5,000 people to Salt Lake City.

The stadium would be owned by the state of Utah but managed under a modified structure of the Fairpark's board of directors.

For years, lawmakers have struggled with a way to make the Utah State Fairpark a profitable venture or at least self-sustaining.

At one point, the Legislature considered moving the annual fair from the park altogether but ultimately concluded it needed to stay at its current location.

In 2015, plans for an $18 million minor league stadium fell apart when lawmakers could not reach an agreement on the issue. Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen later announced his intention to build a minor league soccer stadium near the Maverik Center in West Valley City.

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