Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Vernita Dore and USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul joined the Sidney Regional Medical Center (SRMC) today for the official ribbon cutting of their new $53 million hospital. The new hospital will serve approximately 12,000 residents. Thirty-six jobs will be created and 265 jobs supported.
"USDA is committed to providing quality healthcare for rural residents,” Dore said. “People in rural communities deserve access to modern medical facilities and top-notch healthcare providers and this new facility will benefit patients in the southern panhandle and communities of Nebraska.”
The facility was funded in part by $32 million in USDA Rural Development direct loan funds and $10 million from Lancaster Pollard which underwrote the commercial financing. The hospital contributed the remaining funds. This is the largest Nebraska project in the history of Rural Development.
Since 2009, 18 critical care hospitals have been assisted by more than $314 million for renovations, new facilities, equipment, additions, and equipment. Five hospitals utilized America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.
The new hospital consists of 120,000 square feet and is located on a 20 acre site, close to the current facility. The hospital is one story consisting of 76,800 square feet with a two story clinic and administrative building of approximately 42,000 square feet. The two structures are joined by a one and a half story lobby and public area. The new facility is designed to provide very similar services to the current facility. The long term care and assisted living component will remain at the existing site of the hospital.
The new hospital features 25 private acute care rooms, as well as three high-tech surgical suites, eight post surgery/outpatient recovery rooms, a six room emergency department, specialty clinics as well as diagnostic imaging. Many more services are also offered. The focus of this project is to secure health care for the future, according to the needs of the community.
USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan program was utilized. For more information contact Natalie Furrow at 308-534-2360 ext. 1129 or Natalie.furrow@ne.usda.gov. Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/all-programs for information on all of Rural Development’s programs.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.