Backers of the Living Planet Aquarium are having to overcome a lot of obstacles in their quest to install a permanent full-service aquarium in Salt Lake City, so every ray of hope is a cause for celebration.
Tuesday, Salt Lake County Council members said they are open to the idea of an aquarium — possibly even putting a $30 million bond before voters — although there are several hoops that need to be gone through before they give their names to the project.
"We're not saying we'll do it, we're just considering it if they do these things," councilman Russell Skousen said.
Backers had hoped the council would approve a bond election for this year, but council members believe that's too soon. They want the county's debt review committee to look over the proposal, as well as have a location sewn up.
Even though this year's election is out of reach, aquarium founder and president Brent Andersen said he was happy with the decision.
"I'm actually thrilled that they see this as valuable enough to put on the ballot," he said. "I don't know how anyone could be disappointed with a potential funding source of $30 million."
Andersen's struggle to build the $43 million aquarium, not including the price of land, in Salt Lake City is now in its seventh year, but he remains optimistic. He noted that other aquariums in the country have had gestation periods of 12 years or more.
"We've come a long way from when the offices of Living Planet were the second bedroom in my apartment," he said.
Andersen said attendance at the aquarium's "preview exhibit" in the Gateway shopping center have exceeded expectations. Organizers expected 75,000 people over the first year, but 48,000 people have come in the first 72 days.
"And it's on the rise," Andersen said.
Should it approve a ballot measure, which is far from certain even with the prerequisite reviews, the County Council wants a matching funds program. The bond money approved by taxpayers would be matched with $13 million or more from private sources.
Andersen said that's fine with him.
E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com