October 04, 2012

Manchin, Rahall, Rockefeller Announce Funding for Boone Memorial Hospital

BECKLEY, W.Va. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), along with Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.),  Wednesday announced Federal funding to support the construction of a new hospital facility and clinic at Boone Memorial Hospital.

“For almost five decades, Boone Memorial has helped serve the health needs of generations of families and I have been proud to work with them,” said Rahall.  “This major financing is a needed shot in the arm for Boone Memorial, its dedicated workforce, and most importantly, the families they serve.  Federal investments, like this, help raise the health and the quality of life for the entire region.”

“Boone Memorial has been an important hospital serving West Virginians for decades, and it’s great news that they are receiving this funding,” said Rockefeller.  “I have been working with Boone Memorial for years to get this project off the ground and to make sure that they get the resources they need to provide the best services for West Virginians, and they have done an outstanding job.  I have known the hospital’s CEO, Tommy Mullins, for years, and I know how dedicated he is to expanding access to health care in southern West Virginia, which is something I have always felt strongly about.  We have been able to work closely to move this project forward and I greatly appreciate Tommy’s hard fought efforts for Boone County and our state.” 

“I’m so proud of Boone Memorial CEO Tommy Mullins and his entire staff for having the tenacity and commitment to meet the needs of the people of Boone County,” Manchin said. “Tommy’s perseverance all these years – along with the capable work of his dedicated staff – are making all the difference in the lives and health of our residents. With a loan program like this, everyone has some skin in the game – and a vested interest in seeing this hospital succeed.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved a Community Facility Direct Loan of $31,800,000 for Boone Memorial Hospital to construct, equip, and furnish 78,700 sq. ft. of hospital facility and clinic space.  New construction is needed because the current facility was designed for medical practice in the 1960s. The current facility would be extremely costly to renovate or remodel due to the method of construction. It is also extremely energy inefficient, lacks needed storage, has inadequate environmental controls, and the safety and security systems do not meet new standards.  The funds are expected to be drawn from USDA as needed, with the Hospital paying only interest through the construction period.  Total cost of the project is $34,300,000.