TOOELE, Utah — The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) has approved a new project area that includes the entire Tooele Army Depot, adding over 43,000 acres of federal land to its portfolio of military development sites. This decision was made during MIDA’s board meeting on December 16, and it enables the authority to assist the depot with long-term infrastructure improvements through public-private partnerships and state-authorized development tools. Established by the Legislature in 2007, MIDA is governed by an appointed board and manages various project areas in Utah focused on military support, veteran services, and economic development. This includes initiatives like the East Village in Wasatch County, a veterans lodge under construction at Sundance Mountain Resort, and an aerospace research park near Hill Air Force Base. MIDA Deputy Director Ariana Farber noted that the authority has collaborated with depot leadership to evaluate infrastructure priorities and explore ways MIDA can support modernization efforts. The Tooele Army Depot is crucial for the storage, maintenance, and disposal of conventional munitions, covering approximately 43,000 acres, making it one of the state's largest military installations. A draft project area plan suggests MIDA would manage contracting and infrastructure development at the site, while also generating revenue to support the depot’s national security mission. The scale and timing of construction will be determined through a future master planning process. Farber mentioned the potential use of enhanced use leases, a federal mechanism that allows private partners to invest in military facilities in exchange for long-term access or development rights. This would provide a framework for private investment while maintaining the depot’s operational mission. MIDA board chair and Utah Senate President Stuart Adams emphasized that the new project area could attract defense-related businesses that align with the depot’s operations. In a separate decision, the board approved the expansion of MIDA’s Utah National Guard project area in Tooele by approximately 142 acres, some of which is privately owned and adjacent to the Army depot. Farber stated that this expansion would improve development feasibility by addressing infrastructure constraints. The proposal includes using property tax revenue generated within the expanded project area to fund necessary water and utility infrastructure, aiming for the construction of a new Utah National Guard armory and readiness center. The Utah National Guard project area encompasses 27 sites statewide. Final approval of the Tooele project area changes depends on local government action, with the Tooele City Council set to consider a resolution to include the city in the expanded project areas. MIDA Executive Director Paul Morris indicated that further details on the Tooele projects will be presented at the board’s meeting on January 13, 2026.