USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul and Chief Executive Officer Leslie Marsh of the Lexington Regional Health Center were among those who participated in a ground breaking ceremony today. USDA Rural Development awarded a $15 million loan, leveraged with the applicant’s $4.9 million and a Great Western Bank Loan of $5 million that will help to build the new health facility and make renovations to existing space.
“Rural health care is an ongoing focus of USDA Rural Development. Having close medical services offered to those who cannot commute many miles is a necessity for rural residents in the Lexington area,” said Moul.
Funds will be used to construct a surgery addition with three operating rooms, a post anesthesia care unit, patient preparation and recovery rooms. Also included are two endoscopy rooms and other surgical support areas along with staff support spaces.
An Outpatient Clinic will house 14 exam rooms, two general procedure rooms, a room dedicated to wound care, a treadmill room to support rehabilitation, mobile nuclear medicines services, and other areas dedicated to patient support. Funds will also be used for the renovation of patient rooms, interior space, the dietary area, business center, and lobby and gift shop along with new/replacement/upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems.
The hospital project was funded through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan program. For more information contact Roberta Mues at 308-237-3118 ext.1128.
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.