HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Ground was formally broken about noon Friday on what is eventually envisioned as a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership at Hill Air Force Base.

The West Side Development “Falcon Hill Project” is set to eventually encompass 550 acres, stretching north from Clearfield to Roy.

Within the next 25 years, upwards of 75,000 new, high-paying jobs could be created, officials said.

“This is a one-of-a kind project in the entire country,” said Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., comparing it to the University of Utah’s Research Park startup 40 years ago. Since then, it has created thousands of bio-medically related jobs.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, who has been closely involved with the base for his 32 years in office, hailed this as a milestone event. He recounted the ongoing fight to keep the base open, show its value and vitality, when base closures were threatened, and in some cases took place, across the country.

Actual construction should start next spring at the Clearfield area West Gate. The development will eventually include new replacement office space for many base departments, as well as hotels, restaurants, and offices for commercial operations, including aerospace businesses.