|
|
NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, Inc.
Breaks Ground for Expansion And Updates To Facility
USDA Rural Development provides $3,200,000 funding
TOPEKA, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced today the Agency has approved a $3,200,000 Community Facility Program loan to finance the expansion of Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, Inc. located in WaKeeney. The planned expansion and mechanical updates will allow the Critical Access Hospital to provide more efficient quality health care services to this portion of rural Kansas .
“USDA Rural Development’s numerous community and economic development programs are a major investment in improving the lives and security of our citizens, and is part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing investment to support our rural communities. Additionally, USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting Kansas, and this facility and equipment will assist the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in meeting the needs of the citizens it serves”, commented State Director Banks.
Dan Bartz Hospital Administrator, remarked during the ceremony. “The Hospital is looking forward to the completion of the new expansion. The Hospital greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with USDA Rural Development on this important project. With the improvements the hospital will be equipped to provide services for decades to come.”
USDA Rural Development Area Manager Kent Colwell and Area Specialist Dave Barber joined the Board of Trustees, Trego County Commissioners and staff of Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, Inc. for groundbreaking and a ceremonial check presentation.
Agency funds will be used to build an addition to the existing hospital, construct a six unit assisted living facility, medical clinic, and renovate the existing long term care facility. The assisted living units will enable the community to provide a service that is not currently available. Nineteen new jobs will be created through this project.
The Agency’s overall Community Facility Program provides financing for a variety of projects, including courthouses, fire and rescue facilities and equipment, police and emergency vehicles and services, libraries, and other community focused facilities and services.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, the Agency provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America . For additional information regarding all USDA Rural Development programs, contact the Agency at 785-271-2700 or visit the Agency’s Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.
- end -