SALT LAKE CITY — A recent poll found that 79% of Utahns said they are excited about the possibility of the Winter Olympics returning in 2034.
But at what cost?
During Tuesday night's debate, Gov. Spencer Cox and Rep. Phil Lyman addressed the possibility of bringing the Winter Olympics back to Utah and the cost.
“79 percent of Utahns were happy to resume the Olympics. 79 percent. You can't get 79 percent approval on anything these days,” Governor Cox said.
Meanwhile, Reiman expressed concern about the cost of the convention.
“I love the Olympics, but it comes at an enormous cost to our city, our state and the people of Utah,” he said.
The Winter Olympics could cost about $4 billion, but the hope is that it won't be a burden on Utah taxpayers.
“The financial responsibility for the state of Utah should be zero, and will be zero,” Cox said. “The entire cost will be borne by the sponsors. It won't cost taxpayers a penny.”
Lyman said the costs could not just be measured in financial terms, saying infrastructure, traffic congestion and congestion all contributed to the “enormous cost” of hosting the Olympics.
The final decision on the location of the 2034 Winter Olympics is expected to be announced in Paris on July 24.
