Utah senators voted unanimously Monday to appropriate $235 million for construction of a new state prison in Salt Lake City, a move that could offset potential bonding and save the state in interest costs.
Sen. Jerry Stevenon, R-Layton, said lawmakers had already authorized up to $285 million in bonding for the prison relocation project. But new state revenue numbers released Monday show roughly $1.2 billion on hand, allowing for a cash payment on construction in lieu of credit, he said.
“We feel like there’s the cash there to take care of that,” Stevenson said.
Utah Gov.