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Senate exempts BRAC properties from RDA 10% cap to help affected cities recover
Summary
SB 204 modifies RDA rules so BRAC (military base closure) properties are not counted toward the 10% redevelopment-area cap, a change aimed at keeping communities such as Ogden, Layton and Tooele able to redevelop downtown areas after base closures.
Senate Bill 204 passed to third reading after sponsors said it addresses an unintended consequence of the redevelopment-agency (RDA) 10% cap when federal BRAC base closures create very large tracts of redevelopable land.
Sen. Thomas explained the problem: when a large federal installation such as the Ogden Depot or Hill Air Force Base is closed under BRAC, the acreage can push a city's RDA area over the statutory 10% cap and thereby preclude other redevelopment. SB 204 would amend the cap so that BRAC property is excluded from the 10% calculation for affected RDAs, protecting local redevelopment capacity in downtown areas and other projects.
Senators asked whether the bill changes condemnation powers (the sponsor said it does not), and some expressed concern about expanding RDA authority or shifting impacts to other taxing entities. Sen. Valentine supported the bill as a tool to help communities recover economically after base closure, while other senators urged caution about long‑term uses of RDA authority.
The Senate recorded 22 aye votes and 1 nay, with six absent, and sent the bill to the third-reading calendar.
Outcome: SB 204 passed the Senate 22–1 and will proceed to further consideration and implementation details in committee or the House.
