"It's critical for our area. A lot of people don't know what an economic draw the health-care system is here," said Last, who owns a home health-care business. "There's also a tremendous need in the health and human services area around the state. One thing I will try to do is restore dental and vision coverage for those on Medicaid."

Property for a building has been donated, and Intermountain Health Care already made a "generous donation" to support the facility, he said.

All three legislators voiced support for the state's new governor.

"Gov. Huntsman is extremely enthusiastic about his service to the citizens and state," Hickman said. "He has some really good, fresh ideas, and it's my hope that the Legislature will be supportive of those."

Clark said recent meetings with Huntsman convinced him the governor is going to "do things differently."

"I'm optimistic that we have a window of opportunity with the governor to change our course, to make a shift and improve things for many years to come," he said.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com