ReAL Scores a Stadium in Sandy

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) ReAl Salt Lake will have its stadium in Sandy after a vote of support today (yesterday) from the Utah House. Governor Huntsman made a last minute visit to Republicans and Democrats during lunch to clear up any final confusion about the Sandy Soccer stadium deal.

"There's enough in the way of disinformation outt here causing this debate to be difficult to understand," said Huntsman. "This is a simple transaction deal with the transient room tax. And I absolutely think this is in our state's long-term interest or I wouldn't be wasting your time."

Huntsman read from notes written on ReAL Salt Lake letterhead to clarify that RSL will still pay 7-point-5 million toward a youth sports complex in Salt Lake City, establish an elite soccer academy in Utah and contribute to various charitable organizations. Huntsman also explained that the state - not the county - will own the land upon which the stadium is built, even though county tax money will be used to purchase it. With those details clear, several opponents including House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, changed their tune and gave the stadium it's final vote of approval:

"I've come to the conclusion myself that this is worthy of my support, but it comes with a lot of trepidation," said Becker. "My emails, calls and contacts have been 15 to 1 against voting for this."

Becker believes it's because the public does not understand the details of the deal. In a vote of 48 to 24, the Utah House voted in favor of diverting 35-million hotel tax dollars to build a parking garage and buy land for the soccer stadium in Sandy.

Huntsman is expected to quickly sign the measure, meeting the Friday deadline set by Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW