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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Just hours after a state committee said identities of companies offered lucrative economic incentives could remain secret, a spokesman said Gov. Jon Huntsman has decided that such offers in future deals will be made public.
The new policy will not apply to current confidentiality agreements with companies.
The state Records Committee upheld such agreements in a 5-1 decision Thursday that denied a request by The Salt Lake Tribune for names of companies offered financial incentives to relocate in the state.
However, Huntsman spokesman Mike Mower later released a new policy regarding future economic development offers.
The name of the company and the incentive offered will be made public upon request "as soon as an incentive has been offered," the policy statement said.
"Gov. Huntsman believes that openness and transparency are essential components of any effective, responsible administration," Mower said.
Utah officials offered $23 million in incentives to 14 companies last year.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
