Falcon Hill is on its way. Construction is due to start on two buildings associated with the 500-acre development. It hugs the west side of Hill AFB, from Clearfield on the south to Roy and Riverdale in Weber County on the north.

There also will be a big transformation of many of the base buildings, themselves. That includes the “1200 Series” buildings built in World War II, and some many years before, that are outdated for today’s work demands.

They are poorly ventilated, and otherwise need to be replaced.

Construction is due to start on the first two buildings tied to Falcon Hill in May and June.

Illustrative of the partnership between the military and the private sector, one building will house Security Forces for the base, and the other complex will house ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) contractor Northrup Grumman.

As reported many times on these pages, this project portends great things not only for North Davis, but for the entire county.

There is no time-specific “completion date” on the massive project. But eventually there could be 60,000 jobs created, most paying well above the area’s prevailing wage.

They will be technical and professional-type jobs, for the most part – often tied to the many intricate missions that take place at Hill.

That means wages will be high enough to draw people from all over Northern Utah – including South Davis and beyond.

Because Falcon Hill will provide life-supporting jobs, it could be just as important to Bountiful residents as Clearfield residents.

Higher-paying jobs ends up directly benefitting employees, it ends up enhancing qualify of life for everybody.

More money flowing in to the economy generates tax dollars that can be used for such facilities as the South Davis Recreation Center, Davis Cultural Arts Center, more parks, trails, and far more.

It will draw a more diverse workforce to the county, as well, adding a more cosmopolitan completion to Davis County. Most people see that as a good outcome, as well.

Falcon Hill has the backing of no less than Governor Huntsman, as well as county commissioners, mayors, many other government officials, Davis Chamber of Commerce, and beyond.

A legislatively-created entity called MIDA (Military Installation Development Authority) has been working hard to make the project possible.

MIDA is chaired by a former Davis County legislator, Stuart Adams of Layton. Former Layton mayor Jerry Stevenson is vice-chair. Clearfield Mayor Don Wood also sits on the board. Others represent parts of Weber County and the Governor’s office.

The Legislature has strongly backed the effort through funding and unanimous approval of recent necessary legislation.

County commissioners, Davis County Economic Development director Kent Sulser, and other local officials also strongly support the project, which is the largest of its kind in the country.

Northern Utah is leading the way in terms of such partnerships in the nation, and the Department of Defense is watching it closely.

It positions Davis County as a great place for jobs and for business and a great place to live.

Hopes are high. And with defense-related spending often virtually immune to a recession, construction could move forward there when it’s not so hefty in other areas.