Hogle Zoo Hopes To Avoid "Plan B"

None by Eric Ray

SL County Council To Decide Fate of $65 Million Bond Tomorrow

(KCPW News) The fate of a $65 million bond request from Hogle Zoo is expected to be decided by the Salt Lake County Council tomorrow. Zoo Director Craig Dinsmore says the longer they wait to begin the improvements, the more expensive the project becomes. The zoo's master plan has been in place since 1998, however circumstances like 9/11 and discussions of relocation have kept the zoo from moving forward. Several council members say they expect the vote over whether to put the bond on November's ballot to be a close one.

Councilman David Wilde says he would rather see the zoo bond on the ballot next year when more people countywide will have incentive to vote. The zoo's "Plan B" should the council vote against putting the bond on the ballot includes scaling back the master plan or making another run at the bond next year.

Dinsmore says he hopes the council does not add a requirement that the zoo finish raising $20 million in private funding before bond money would be released. The zoo is willing to discuss discount admission alternatives for county residents should the bond be approved.

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