SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate Political Subdivisions Confirmation Committee on Monday, Jan. 13, unanimously voted to forward Gov. Spencer Cox’s nominee Steve Lund to the full Senate for confirmation to the Utah State Fair Park Corporation board of directors.

The committee’s recommendation came after a confirmation hearing during which Lund outlined his multi‑generational agricultural background and said he is prepared to commit the time the role requires, including additional work around the state fair.

Nathan Brady of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel briefed the committee on the legal changes that affect the board’s role. Brady said the Legislature last year enacted House Bill 562, which created the Utah Fair Park Area Investment and Restoration District — a larger entity that can use tax‑increment financing and issue bonds for development around the State Fair Park. Brady clarified the State Fair Park Corporation still oversees the annual state fair and activities on the fairgrounds and that the authority established by HB 562 assumed the Fair Corporation’s obligations, rights and assets; the nomination under consideration was for the State Fair Park board, not the larger district.

Lund told the committee agriculture has “always been near and dear” to him and described family agricultural roots dating to the 1800s. “Serving on this board means a great deal to me,” Lund said. He said the state fair is an iconic Western event that showcases agriculture, provides education and spreads new ideas to farmers and ranchers. He also said he is willing to make the time commitment, including the intensive work during the fair’s 10‑day run.

Committee members asked Lund about time commitments and how the State Fair Park board will interact with the larger district created by HB 562. Senator Sandle voiced support for the nomination while noting the fairgrounds are increasingly a year‑round venue. Senator Bridal, who moved to favorably recommend Lund, said a working group has begun developing a master plan that will coordinate the State Fair Park, privately owned Larry H. Miller properties and state sovereign lands; Bridal said the group is “quite a ways down” the planning process and will address bonding and rebuild requirements jointly with the district authority. Lund said he remains flexible and willing to work with either the State Fair Park board or in coordination with the larger district as needed.

Senator Thatcher noted the state often recruits former legislators for volunteer board service because they remain willing to serve and have relevant experience; he encouraged the public to consider board service as well. No members of the public spoke during the committee’s public comment period.

Senator Sandle moved to approve minutes from the committee’s Jan. 10, 2024 meeting at the start of Monday’s session; that motion passed unanimously. Later, Senator Bridal moved that the committee favorably recommend Lund’s nomination to the full Senate; the committee voted unanimously to forward Lund’s name for confirmation.

Votes at a glance: approval of minutes (Jan. 10, 2024) — motion by Senator Sandle; outcome: approved unanimously. Favorable recommendation of Steve Lund to the full Senate — motion by Senator Bridal; outcome: forwarded unanimously.

The nomination now moves to the full Senate for confirmation. The committee adjourned after the vote.