House GOP delays talks about prison relocation

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SALT LAKE CITY — House Republicans delayed a discussion Tuesday about whether to support a resolution calling for the Utah State Prison to be moved from Draper, freeing up nearly 700 acres for development.

Last week, the House GOP caucus decided it wanted more information before taking action on the resolution being drafted by Rep. Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, a member of the state's Prison Relocation and Development Authority.

Although the resolution was expected to be on the agenda of Tuesday's House caucus, it was not discussed. Wilson, who made a pitch to Senate Republicans at their caucus Tuesday, said he now wants to wait until his resolution is finished.

The Senate GOP caucus did not take a position on the issue Tuesday.

"I don't know if you're measuring resistance in the House. We haven't," said House Majority Leader Brad Dee, R-Ogden.

Dee, who has complained about the slow pace on the move, said he's confident Wilson will advance the bill.

The prison relocation authority voted earlier this month to recommend to lawmakers that the prison be moved and that work get underway on the estimated $471 million project, including purchasing property for a new facility.