WILLISTON — The City of Williston and Sanford Health have signed a Letter of Intent that sets the vision to build a new hospital and clinic in Williston Square.

“This is a game changer for Williston,” said Williston Mayor Howard Klug. “Our goal is to be a regional center for growth, and expanding health care services and infrastructure in our community is an integral part of this.”

Williston Square, an 800-acre development on the former site of Sloulin Field International Airport, also includes plans for a Civic Center, shopping, restaurants and new residential homes and apartment buildings.

“We are excited to collaborate with the City of Williston to deliver health care to more patients in the region,” said Dr. Michael LeBeau, president/CEO of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “This announcement sets the foundation to develop and offer the best patient care possible with the goal of high-quality care close to home.”

The first step will be to form a community board that will work with Sanford to provide guidance on local health care priorities. The City of Williston and Sanford aim to have an agreement completed by Aug. 31.

CHI St. Alexius Health currently operates a hospital and clinics in Williston.