Several local government leaders say the county is selling itself short if it doesn't continue fighting for the Winter Olympics speed-skating venue.
Provo Mayor Joe Jenkins, vice chairman of the Utah County Winter Olympics Committee, recently told local legislators that it may be too costly to build and operate a speed-skating oval in Provo.Instead of the $30 million oval, the committee is looking at building a $3 million to $4 million practice ice rink for preliminary events in ice hockey and figure skating.
But Utah County Commission Chairman Malcolm Beck said local voters who backed the Olympics wouldn't be happy with a practice rink. "I think we should go with the oval. The oval will generate more money to start with. If it's built right, it can be used for numerous things."
Commissioner Brent Morris agreed. "Voters are going to feel jilted if the oval does not come to Utah County. The county that gave the highest margin of victory of the Olympics now stands the least chance of getting one of the venue sites."
One reason for backing down on the bid sites out to bid, and the area with the best bid should get the venue. "It shouldn't be a locked-in system. When the state spends that kind of money, everyone should have an opportunity at it."
Jenkins said the county is not giving up its bid for the speed-skating oval until "we are sure the other two $3 million projects will be funded. If it appears those two buildings for hockey and figure skating are a part of the Olympics project, and it appears that the U.S. Olympic Committee wants the oval in Salt Lake City, then we will give up on the oval and go for hockey and figure skating rinks."
But Richard Bradford, executive director of the Utah Valley Economic Development Association, said he would be surprised to see the county get the $3 million for a practice rink.
"I've worked around government too long to think that this gift will ever be there. Utah County taxpayers will pay for the oval no matter where it goes. I would just rather see it come here."
The state has set aside $56 million to build a speed-skating oval, luge-bobsled run and ski jump, but only $8 million was earmarked for operation and maintenance costs. Jenkins said $10 million to $14 million is more accurate.
That leaves only $42 million to build the facilities, but the speed-skating oval alone could cost as much as $30 million to construct.
Bradford said more like $70 million is needed to build Olympics facilities. "Financially the Olympics are still a good deal. The revenues will more than cover the costs."