By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The process to get funding for a $32 million new hospital project in
Ellinwood has been in the works for nearly two years. With help from local
legislators, the Ellinwood Hospital was approved to receive a $25 million loan
from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help construct the
new hospital that will be located west of town on U.S. 56 Highway, across from
Ellinwood Packing Plant.
Ellinwood Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kristy Rupe said it was
important to lock in the interest rates as quickly as possible before the rates
increased.
"Just about every rural hospital in Kansas fits this program funded by USDA," said Rupe. "It's a low-interest loan. They do require there to be a community support side on our end."
Along with the USDA loan, a capital campaign is charged with fundraising $1.25
million and the hospital is responsible with covering the remaining expense.
The final architectural plans are finished and now Ellinwood Hospital staff is waiting to hear bid proposals from contractors.
With groundbreaking expected to occur late this year or early 2023, construction on the new hospital will take 18 - 24 months.
Future plans for the current hospital are up in the air.
"The existing hospital is still our home for at least a couple of years," said Rupe. "There currently are no plans as to what will happen to it; however, the board said they are committed to making the best choice possible so that it's not an eyesore or blight to the community."
Ellinwood Hospital purchased 15 acres along U.S. 56 Highway, and the new
facility is expected to consume 10 of those acres.