House approves $700,000 for Soldier Hollow lodge, $260,000 for Heber Valley depot match

House Bill 92, presented by Representative Snow, won final passage after floor debate on the bill’s scope and long-term fiscal implications. Snow described HB92 as a one-time appropriation to build a day lodge at Soldier Hollow — site of Olympic cross-country and biathlon events — and funding for improvements at the Heber Valley Railroad depot. "This bill proposes to build a day lodge at Soldier Hollow and a depot with the Heber Valley Railroad," Snow said, noting that the train and park are state-owned.

Snow told members that SLOC has invested about $12,000,000 in developing the ski area and that the $700,000 request for the lodge is intended to create a lasting legacy and provide necessary indoor restrooms and a rental space. He said the depot request is $260,000 and that Wasatch County has agreed to match roughly $200,000 from transient room-tax revenues. Snow said the lodge would be operated by a nonprofit authority during winter months and by the Parks Department in summer. "We intend to have a nonprofit foundation that would operate and lease the day lodge during the winter months from the Parks Department," he said.

Representative Tanner urged caution, arguing that the appropriation represents a philosophical shift because state dollars to build and maintain a winter sports facility create ongoing annual budget requests for operations and security. "When we vote for this ... you are making a commitment for future appropriations," Tanner said, warning that the $700,000 is not the end of future funding needs. Supporters said a Soldier Hollow Legacy Foundation had been incorporated and committed to an operational plan, and members who visited the site emphasized benefits for youth and statewide recreational opportunities.

After summations and roll call, House Bill 92 passed the House with 46 yes votes and 25 no votes and will be referred to the Senate for further action.