SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 19,2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The University of Utah and the U.S. Army Reserve have announced a land transfer and relocation agreement.
At a groundbreaking Monday in Bluffdale, the university and Army Reserve formalized a deal years in the making.
“The complex transfer required action from both the Utah Legislature and Governor’s Office, as well as the U.S. Congress,” says a statement issued by the University of Utah.
“Using state funding, the U will build a $100 million headquarters for the Army Reserve at Camp Williams, clearing the way for the military to vacate the remaining acres it occupies just east of the university campus.”
U of U President Taylor Randall shared a prepared statement.
“This land transfer is a testament to the strong relationship between the University of Utah, our elected leaders, the Utah National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve,” he wrote.
“We are honored to support our military by providing state-of-the-art facilities that enhance training and operational readiness while advancing our university’s mission.”
The Utah Legislature allocated over $100 million dollars to purchase and develop the new USAR facilities. Utah is the only state to fund such a military relocation.
“In Utah, we are deeply committed to supporting our military, and this initiative highlights our dedication through investments in infrastructure and facilities for the service members who give so much for our freedoms,” said J. Stuart Adams, president of the Utah Senate, in the statement.
“The relocation and new facilities will not only strengthen our national defense but also help to ensure our servicemen and women have the best possible resources to carry out their essential duties.”
For more than 150 years, the fort and the university have been intrinsically linked. At one point, the fort stretched more than 10,500 acres, from 900 South to 6th Avenue, and from 1300 East to the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Now, the university surrounds the remaining 50 acres of fort property, the statement says.
The 31.9-acre site near Camp Williams offers modern facilities and excellent access for reservists, supporting future expansion and enhancing operational synergy with the Utah Army National Guard. The 220,000-square-foot building is slated to open in the spring of 2026.
“The Army Reserve is excited to be a part of this next chapter of multi-component training for our soldiers in and around the Salt Lake City area,” said Col. Martin Naranjo, Army Reserve Installation Management Division Director.
“Partnerships like the ones we have with the University of Utah, the Utah National Guard, and the State of Utah are essential to our success.”
The 50-acre Douglas Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) at Fort Douglas has been constrained by outdated infrastructure, the news release says. The new site, contiguous to Camp Williams, offers a modern, secure location with room for future expansion. It will support all current and future USAR operations, providing a more efficient and accessible training environment.
“Utah is proud to lead the nation in supporting our military,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
“This historic appropriation and land transfer demonstrate our dedication to the men and women who serve our country. The new facilities will provide unparalleled opportunities for training and collaboration.”
Following the relocation of the USAR, the historic Fort Douglas property will be transferred to the University of Utah for future campus development.
The 76th Operational Response Command is a critical center for Defense Support of Civil Authorities, coordinating with state and local officials during emergencies and natural disasters. It comprises 62 units and over 6,300 soldiers and civilians.
Additionally, the 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), the largest medical command in the Army Reserve, manages deployable field medical units across 26 states, with over 10,000 soldiers and civilians.
The USAR relocation is expected to take a minimum of four years from funding and notice to proceed.
