The people who approved the expensive development that will become part of Deer Valley Resort received a significant amount of political donations from the developer.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Extell, which is the developer of the new expansion coming to Deer Valley Resort (also known as Mayflower) has donated $112,500 to various politicians that are a part of Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). Around three-fourths of this money went towards Utah Senate President Stuart Adams or the Political Action Committees that he’s the head of.
This government entity funded the Mayflower development and can approve or deny parts of the project. Utah’s Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) helps fund developments that will benefit those who have served. As part of this development, military members will receive a discounted rate at one of the hotels under development at the new base area. It should be noted that Extell is developing the land, and is separate from Deer Valley Resort.
Brooke Hontz, who’s the vice president of development at Extell, said the following about the donations to the Salt Lake Tribune:
“In the state of Utah, we can look around and there’s a clear understanding of the importance of the Republican Party here, and particularly President Stuart Adams…The Republican Party has done a phenomenal job here of managing and supporting Utah through good government practices. So I could see why Extell, and Gary [Barnett], would want to support the party and the individuals who have been sustaining Utah and leading us over a long period of time.”
Stuart Adams said the following to the Salt Lake Tribune about the donations he received from Extell:
“Campaign contributions do not impact nor influence any of my decisions or votes. Economic development has been and will continue to be a priority for the state. MIDA has positively impacted our state, including with some of Utah’s most significant economic developments, including Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park, Northrop Grumman missile defense program, the NSA Data Center at Camp Williams and the military recreation center at the Mayflower Resort.”
For more information, check out the Salt Lake Tribune’s article about the matter here.
Image Credits: Deer Valley Resort
