The Military Affairs Mitigation Fund (MHD) is advancing significant recreational and residential developments within Wasatch County’s Military Recreation Facility project area, anchored by the recently opened Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The ongoing expansion includes large-scale infrastructure projects, affordable housing initiatives, and a massive expansion of the Deer Valley Resort skiable terrain.
Grand Hyatt military benefits
The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, which opened in November 20 24, serves as a central component of the Military Recreation Facility (MRF) project area. The 381-room conference hotel features a dedicated 'Salute to Service' block consisting of 100 rooms offered at preferred rates for active duty, retired, Reserve, and National Guard members, as well as disabled veterans and Department of Defense personnel.
According to MIDA, guests staying in these specialized rooms also receive access to the North Star concierge space and the hotel’s grand conference room. Beyond lodging, service members benefit from significant discounts on spa services, food and beverage—excluding alcohol—hotel parking, and ski rentals. Additionally, military guests can purchase day lift tickets for Deer Valley Resort at up to 75% off the standard window rate.
History of development efforts
The development of this hotel and surrounding area is rooted in a long-standing effort to replace a small, seven-unit military-owned ski lodge near Snowbasin Resort that closed in the late 1990s. Following legislation passed by Congress in 2001, a 26-acre parcel known as the Red Maple parcel in Park City was granted to the Air Force to facilitate a new facility or property trade.
Partnerships and land acquisition
In 2018, MIDA partnered with Wasatch County and the Air Force to establish the current MWR hotel setting. This partnership followed four years of weekly public meetings between MIDA and the county to refine the details of the development. The project utilized a 14.5-acre parcel donated by developer EX Utah Development LLC, known as Extell, which allowed Wasatch County to execute its 40-year-old master plan for the Jordanelle Reservoir recreation area.
Affordable housing initiatives
Beyond hospitality, MIDA has moved into the residential sector, purchasing 42 units in 2024 for moderate-income rental housing. These units are prioritized for military members, teachers, emergency service providers, and municipal government employees. MIDA is also coordinating with Extell to plan for hundreds of additional affordable homes.
Environmental conservation efforts
Environmental conservation remains a key element of the project area's growth. In August 2023, Utah Open Lands was granted a 3,100-acre conservation easement from an affiliate of EX Utah. Known as the Forty-Fifth Star Conservation Preserve, this area protects wildlife habitats and ecosystems while providing regional trail connections for the public and military guests. This easement specifically prevents residential development on more than 600 units within the donated areas.
Deer Valley Resort expansion
The expansion of the Deer Valley Resort is also a major driver of activity in the region. In August 2023, Alterra Mountain Company announced it would operate the Mayflower ski terrain through a lease agreement with Extell. This expansion effectively doubles the resort's skiable acreage.
Upon completion, which is expected no later than the 2027-2028 winter season, Deer Valley Resort will feature 5,726 skiable acres. The project includes the construction of 16 new chair lifts, seven of which—including a 10-passenger gondola—are already operational. The development in the Deer Valley East Village represents an initial build-out of over 3.1 million square feet and $2.1 billion in private investment.
MIDA has entered into various agreements to fund the public infrastructure necessary to support this growing project area. This includes establishing interlocal cooperation agreements with Wasatch County, Wasatch County Fire, the Jordanelle Special Services District, and the Town of Hideout to manage funding priorities and tax revenue use.
MIDA has also issued bonds to fund critical infrastructure. The agency anticipates that for every $1 of public investment, there will be a $16 match from private investment by 2030. These bonds are secured by incremental increases in property tax revenue within the project area, known as property tax allocation revenue. MIDA notes that no other entity, including Wasatch County or the State of Utah, is responsible for the debt service, supported by more than $1 billion in existing taxable value within the MRF area.
Looking toward future milestones, MIDA has outlined several long-term objectives. Following the 2024 initiation of military recreational programming with regional partners, the agency is focused on facilitating affordable housing building projects through 2030. Future goals also include implementing public infrastructure operations in 2025 and developing the Jordanelle Marina Recreation Area between 2025 and 2030.
While MIDA maintains a timeline of various legislative changes, projects, and meetings, the current focus remains on the active construction and expansion occurring throughout the Military Recreation Facility project area.
