SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced that a committee will be formed to explore a bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Utah on Wednesday.
Herbert made the announcement with Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker during a news conference at the Kearns Olympic Skating Oval, a skating track venue during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Herbert and Becker joined other Utah officials and Olympic VIPs to announce the formation of an exploratory committee to consider a bid for the 2022 or 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Herbert cited the debt-free success of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics during the news conference, while Becker mentioned the "spectacular success" of the 2022 games in Utah.
The 2002 games were considered a spectacular success, generating $100 million in profits.
The 2002 games were led by GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Becker also commented that, "Meaningful time and effort is worthwhile to make the right decision."
Lt. Governor Greg Bell, Becker, and Utah Sports Commission Chair Steven Price were announced as co-chairs for the the exploratory committee.
The committee will examine budget and financing, transportation, environment, venues, potential competitors, public support, and economic impact and planned to take three to four months to complete its review.
But, perhaps, the key question of the day was asked by Fraiser Bullock, the COO of Utah's 2002 Olympics.
Bullock told ABC 4,
"In the international community, the questions is, has it been too soon since Salt Lake hosted the Games? That is the question."
In a news release, Herbert's office noted that should the exploratory committee recommend pursuit of the 2022 Games, Salt Lake City has limited time to become the U.S. nominee. As soon as 2013, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) may choose to officially submit a candidate city to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC will then select the host city for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in 2015.
Dr. Eric Heiden, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in speedskating also attended and spoke at the news conference.
Heiden was included in the list of announced members of the exploratory committee, which includes several business and civic leaders, along with former Olympic champions associated with the 2002 Games.
Heiden had a hard time hiding his enthusiasm Wednesday when he said,
"I know I am a little bit biased, but I vote yes."
The Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce later announced their support for the exploratory process, and the prospect of welcoming the Olympics back to Utah. Chamber President and CEO Lane Beattie was included in the exploratory committee.
Stay tuned to ABC 4 News and ABC4.com for more on this story.
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