Provo mulls building $29M convention center

Eds: SUBS graf 2 to CORRECT Utah Valley State College.

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Officials are working on plans for a new convention hall, taking advantage of a new state law that authorizes counties to increase hotel tax rates to finance convention centers.

A study found that Provo needed more convention space than is available at Brigham Young University in Provo or at Utah Valley State College in Orem.

The study -- conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, HOK Venue and Hospitality Real Estate Counselors -- recommended a $29 million, 80,000-square-foot convention hall across the street from the Marriott Hotel in downtown Provo.

A local task force, however, favors a $15 million option for about 50,000 square feet attached to the hotel.

"There is a need in our community to provide for larger conventions that we're now turning away," said Kelly Ward, a task force member and Zions Bank executive.

Funding would come primarily from a boost in Utah County's hotel tax. In March, the Utah Legislature authorized counties to boost their 3-percent room taxes to as much as 4.25 percent to help build convention halls.

Provo and county officials are expected to make a decision by mid-June.

"The feasibility study showed that conventions we've been getting here have been outgrowing our facilities," Ward said. "We're not just going out to get more of a share of the pie but working to retain the piece we already have."

The study estimated a dedicated convention hall would generate $10 million in annual business, most of it going to restaurants and hotels. It also would generate about 150 new jobs and add $220,000 in city and county tax revenues.

------

Information from: Deseret Morning News, http://www.deseretnews.com

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D6.