Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, issued the following statement following the Prison Relocation Commission’s recommendation of the I-80/7200 West Salt Lake City site as the location for a new State Prison:
“As the voice of business, representing over 8,000 Utah businesses, I want to commend the Prison Relocation Commission for their recommendation to relocate the prison to the I-80/7200 West Salt Lake City site. This is a complex issue. Today’s recommendation is the culmination of a thoughtful and methodical process including dozens of studies and countless hours by those involved.
“A new state-of-the-art correctional facility will support the Legislature’s criminal justice reform effort, which protect the taxpayer and reduces recidivism. It is also clear that if done wisely, there is substantial opportunity for our state’s economy in the redevelopment of the current Draper location. Every Utahn has an interest in the future of this property. As a business community, we will actively engage to ensure this generational opportunity is not squandered.
“Leadership requires making hard decisions with a strong vision for our state’s future. We encourage the entire Legislature to thoughtfully consider and support this recommendation.”
