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Utah lawmakers have a problem of seismic proportions. Two high profile buildings, the State Capitol and the Marriott Library at the University of Utah, would likely crumble in an instant should the Salt Lake area be hit with a moderate to strong earthquake. The potential loss of life would be high.
The odds of such a tremor occurring increase daily, so it would be prudent to seismically retrofit the heavily used buildings, to make them safer, as soon as possible. But, how to pay for it!
Bonding is the most practical approach. However, the experts say issuing bonds for both projects this year could jeopardize the state’s favorable Triple-A bond rating.
KSL believes the Capitol is the priority. The project shouldn’t be delayed. We support Governor Walker’s proposed $50-million bonding plan to keep the Capitol project going.
At the same time, we encourage lawmakers to not overlook the critical situation at the library. With some creativity, sufficient funding could likely be found to initiate the project, with the remainder being appropriated next year. Better the state bite the proverbial bullet and fund the seismic retrofit of these two vital buildings than chance the devastating consequences of an earthquake most experts believe is inevitable.
