Senate OKs shift of growth in Salt Lake County ZAP funding to aquarium while holding zoo steady

The Utah Senate approved first substitute Senate Bill 245 to change how growth from Salt Lake County’s Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) tax is split among local cultural institutions. Sponsor Senator Fillmore said the aquarium has grown since the statutory formula was set and needs additional growth funding to meet operational needs while keeping the zoo’s baseline funding steady.

"Nobody's losing funding here," Fillmore said, explaining the substitute shifts growth toward the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium so it can "catch up" over the next several years. He said after an interim period the county would adopt an ordinance formula, removing the need to fix the formula in state statute.

The floor did not include extended debate on technical details; Senator Fillmore indicated ongoing discussions and said he would hold a substitute for further negotiation if necessary. The clerk read the roll call and the presiding officer announced first substitute SB 245 had received 26 votes in favor, with three absent; the bill passed the Senate and will be returned to the House for consideration.

Proper nouns referenced on the floor included Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary, all recipients under Salt Lake County’s ZAP funding structure.