A ribbon cutting and open house was held by Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska today, signifying the completion of the Critical Access Hospital’s major patient room addition. A $28.75 million loan from USDA Rural Development and leveraged funds of more than $11.3 million were used to construct a two-story addition with a basement. The hospital will also use the funds to complete additional construction, expected to be completed in 2016.
“The USDA Rural Development Loan was a vital piece to the equation of how best to upgrade our facility to provide the Box Butte County Citizens with the health care they need, close to home. This large investment in our community will serve us well for several decades,” said Board Chairman David Briggs.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to be a funding partner in helping Box Butte General Hospital to meet their medical needs,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development. “The new and improved hospital will help to bring quality medical health services to not only the community but to those in surrounding areas.”
The new addition provides a Surgery Suite, Imaging Department, Emergency Department, Pharmacy, Intensive Care Unit, and a 25-Bed Inpatient Care Unit including Obstetrics. Existing space will be rehabilitated for a Physical Therapy Department within the existing hospital space which is scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2016.
For more information contact Community Programs Specialist Natalie Furrow at 308-534-2360 ext. 1129 or Natalie.furrow@ne.usda.gov. USDA Rural Development funding was provided through the Community Facility Direct Loan program. For more information visit: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/ne.
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.