Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate has approved bill to push forward a plan to relocate the state prison in southwest Salt Lake County.
The legislation asks an existing prison redevelopment committee to evaluate proposals from companies seeking to build a new prison or develop the old site.
The Utah State Prison occupies about 700 acres in Draper where tech companies such as eBay and Microsoft have opened offices.
Gov. Gary Herbert has called on lawmakers to fund the relocation so the corridor can develop as a technology hub. State officials have been weighing relocation for several years.
Plain City Republican Sen. Scott Jenkins sponsored the legislation and says the relocation is estimated to cost as much as $600 million.
The Senate approved the bill 19-7 Tuesday. It now moves to the House.