Downtown Alliance - Salt Lake City, Utah

Kearns • Utah’s pursuit of the Olympics is on again.

Gov. Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker made it official Wednesday, announcing the creation of an exploratory committee to see what it would take to put together a formal bid for the 2022 or 2026 Winter Olympics, how much it would cost and what other repercussions might be anticipated.

"We need to look at what the real costs would be of upgrading facilities, putting a bid together … and what other competitors are out there," said Ally Isom, the governor’s spokeswoman. "This is meant to be a small group to advise the governor on whether we should pursue a bid."

The group will be led by Becker, Lt. Gov. Greg Bell and Steven Price, the chairman of the Utah Sports Commission.

Becker called the 2002 Games a "spectacular success."

"As we explore the possibility of again hosting the Olympic Winter Games," he said in a news release, "there is no predetermined recommendation. We believe an investment of meaningful time and effort is worthwhile to make the right decision — not only for Salt Lake City, but for all of Utah."

Herbert told The Salt Lake Tribune recently he is considering whether Utah should make another bid to host the Olympics. Utahns are currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Other members of the governor’s group will include:

• Olympic gold-medal speed skater Eric Heiden.

• Lane Beattie, president of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, who was the state Olympic officer for the 2002 Games.

• Spencer Eccles Jr., executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

• Brett Hopkins, who was chief financial officer for 2002’s Salt Lake Organizing Committee.

• Catherine Rainey-Norman, an Olympic speed skater and advisory member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

• Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission.

• Jenni Smith, president of Park City Mountain Resort.

• Grant Thomas, director of construction for City Creek Reserve Inc.

• Colin Hilton, Utah Athletic Foundation president and CEO.

• Derek Miller, Herbert’s chief of staff.

• Jim Shea, Olympic gold medalist in skeleton and third-generation Olympian.

"This talented committee," Herbert said in a news release, "will thoughtfully and carefully consider whether we should officially submit Salt Lake City to be considered to host future Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."