University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City broke ground on the state's first proton therapy center Nov. 20.
The 7,450-square-foot addition, which will be named after Utah's Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, will cost $31 million.
The naming of the center was provided by a $10 million gift from The Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
Currently the closest proton therapy centers to Salt Lake City are located in Arizona and California.
"This new treatment space is essential to HCI's continuing commitment to serve cancer patients and provide them access to the most state-of-the-art care," said Mary Beckerle, PhD, HCI CEO. "As we take this major step forward for cancer patients in the region, we also reflect on the incredible commitment of people like the Huntsman family and Sen. Hatch who have been dedicated advocates for people affected by cancer."