Senate advances Soldier Hollow golf-course bonding bill after floor debate over priorities

Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator Steele, moved forward after an extended floor debate on Feb. 12. The bill would authorize state bonding to develop a Soldier Hollow golf course adjacent to Wasatch State Park, with sponsors arguing it could become an ongoing revenue producer and year‑round recreational asset.

Senator Steele told colleagues the feasibility study projects rapid payoff and estimated significant additional rounds of play, arguing the course would expand the park’s economic impact. “This golf course proposal makes that venue area a year round recreational, commodity for the state of Utah,” Steele said, describing the project as a means to increase out‑of‑season use of existing facilities.

Opponents questioned the timing and priorities. Senator Butters framed the vote against using state bonding while other urgent needs face budget shortfalls: “I'm up there in joint appropriations and criminal justice trying to figure out a way to cover $41,000,000 in critical needs … And now I'm down here saying, let's extend the government going debt $20,000,000 to build another golf course,” he said.

Senators discussed county versus state bonding ability, the facility’s projected 20‑year bond structure and a feasibility study that sponsors said showed the project could be paid for within a short period after opening. Fiscal and policy questions about using bond capacity for recreational infrastructure were central to floor remarks.

The Senate passed SB 65 to the third‑reading calendar by a 19–7 vote. The bill will be eligible for final passage consideration on third reading, where further amendments or final passage can occur.

No final bond issuance or appropriation occurred on the floor; the action advanced the bill’s legislative process.