University of Utah announces plans for West Valley City hospital and medical campus

• The donation comes from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.
• It will be located on 22 acres at 3750 South and 5600 West.

The big picture: West side communities have long faced worse health outcomes and a lack of access to resources compared to east-siders.

• They also encounter poorer air quality due to their proximity to pollutants that come from I-15, refineries, railroads and the airport.

What they're saying: "This project is not just about constructing a building," West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang told an audience on the university's main campus. "It's about investing in the health and well-being and future of West Valley City, and our neighboring west-side community."

Between the lines: University president Taylor Randall said the new hospital and campus will also provide new jobs and training opportunities.

• The new hospital is expected to create 2,000 jobs in the area, according to university officials.

What's next: Construction is set to begin in the summer, with the multi-specialty health clinic anticipated to be completed in 2028 and hospital rooms coming in 2029.

• Lang told Axios that once the hospital is built, it will be the city's largest. West Valley is currently only home to one hospital, Holy Cross.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include additional comments from Karen Lang.