Aquarium Still Hoping for Bond on November Ballot
None by KCPW
SL County Council Reluctant
(KCPW News) Funding hopes for a full-scale aquarium in Salt Lake City may fall victim to poor timing. Living Planet Aquarium officials hope to get a $34-million bond request on the November ballot, but they need Salt Lake County Council approval.Councilman Joe Hatch says he and several of his colleagues worry that it's one too many requests for voters. The Utah Transit Authority is hoping for a $900-million bond on the ballot. Hatch says a bond for Zoo Arts and Parks funds and an open space bond initiative are also likely to be put to voters in November. If four such requests end up on the November ballot, Hatch says all might fail.
Councilman Dave Wilde says he doesn't necessarily support the Aquarium's request, but pressured his colleagues to give it a full hearing. The Living Planet Aquarium is scheduled to present to the county council Tuesday.
Aquarium officials say they've raised $3 million in pledges and money for the proposed $46 million permanent home. They recently opened their newest "preview" location in Sandy after nearly two years in the Gateway Mall.
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1. Mark said:
I sure wish that the management would consider remaining in Sandy or even farther south. Utah County as well as Southern Salt lake County are exploding with new growth. Locating in the Gateway I feel would greatly limit the amount of families visiting the facility. And it is evident by the recent past that SLC is not in any hurry to make the Living Aquarium a finacial priority.
2. Matt said:
I realize the money for this is supposed to come from ZAP money. However, I think this is frivilous and a waste of tax payers money. I would like to see the money and energy spent on housing for the homeless, job training programs, upgrading arts in the schools, transit and laundry list of other needs that, in my opinion should take priority. If this aquarium does succeed, put it in the zoo. The zoo can always use more upgrades and attention.