U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today announced that the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) in Bethel has been awarded a $165 million loan from USDA-Rural Development (USDA-RD). The funding comes through USDA-RD's Community Facility Direct Loan program.
Rural Development funds will be used to provide permanent financing for a new 129,600 square foot primary care clinic and 110,000 square foot hospital remodel in Bethel, Alaska. YKHC is the only full service health provider in the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta, an area almost the size of Oregon. They are not connected to the standard road system, so transportation to the area is either by boat or airplane. This facility and the entire service area are located in a USDA StrikeForce Area.
"The financing for this $287 million facility was possible due to a strong partnership between YKHC, the State of Alaska, the Indian Health Service and USDA-RD. We are proud to make a significant contribution for a facility which is critically needed in the region. The project met all of our requirements for solid loan underwriting and is fully in line with the mission of our agency," stated Nordlund.
"YKHC is excited and thankful for this opportunity to partner with USDA-RD and the Indian Health Service to improve health care in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. We are currently engaging all 50 plus communities in the facility’s planning process in order to ensure we develop a customer-centered facility that incorporates the region’s Yup’ik, Cup’ik and Athabascan cultures. The renovated hospital, new primary care clinic and additional providers will dramatically improve access, quality, customer satisfaction and the health of the residents of Southwest Alaska," said Daniel Winkelman, President and CEO, YKHC.
Since 2009, USDA-Rural Development has invested nearly $2 billion in 225 rural Alaskan communities. These investments in housing, community facilities, business, energy, water and sewer, telecom and electric have helped to grow rural Alaska’s economy and enhance the quality of life for its residents.