Ecology study ordered for sports complex plan

SALT LAKE CITY (Deseret News) — Panned by local environmentalists, a plan to build a multimillion-dollar sports complex along the Jordan River must first pass muster with ecologists, Mayor Ralph Becker's administration announced Thursday.

A restoration plan for the area, near 2200 North, will be reviewed by a team of ecology experts before being subjected a public review, according to a news release from the administration. The restoration plan will include proposed changes to the $22 million complex and outline environmental considerations aimed at enhancing the riparian corridor's ecology.

In public meetings last month, dozens of environmentalists voiced concerns about how the complex would impact the river's wetlands and wildlife.

The Salt Lake City Council, however, unanimously supported the location in January.

Officials expect the review process to be completed by mid-April.

Plans for the Regional Athletic Complex have been in the works since the early 2000s. Voters passed a $15 million bond to pay for construction of soccer and baseball fields in 2003. Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake pledged an additional $7.5 million to the project.

City leaders expect the project to be completed by fall of 2011.

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