Source: CVDaily Feed
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The Utah House approved legislation Wednesday that could lead to the relocation of the state prison.
The facility now occupies about 700 acres in Draper in Salt Lake County, where tech companies such as eBay and Microsoft have opened offices.
For several years, lawmakers have been weighing the relocation, which could cost as much as $600 million. Gov. Gary Herbert supports the move so the current site can develop as a technology hub.
The legislation approved Wednesday with a 51-20 vote directs an existing prison redevelopment committee to review offers from companies seeking to build a new prison or develop the old site. Proposals could not include an option for a privately run prison.
The proposal now advances to the Senate for consideration.
The plan was revised several times as it ran into opposition from lawmakers concerned that it has moved too quickly and could waste taxpayer money.
The same committee studied the issue last year and released a report recommending the state pursue the relocation.
Rep. Brad R. Wilson, R-Kaysville, co-sponsored the current legislation that also would give the governor more discretion over the project. However, any plan the committee recommends must be approved by the Legislature and the governor.