[StBernard] St. Bernard Hospital Update

[Westley Annis]

ST. BERNARD PARISH ANNOUNCES PROGRESS ON FIRST HOSPITAL POST KATRINA

 

Residents living in St. Bernard Parish and those wishing to return will take
great comfort in the establishment of the first hospital since Katrina.  A
full-service 40 bed hospital is closer to reality with the all clear to
proceed.  

 

The St. Bernard Hospital Service District (HSD) proudly announces the
acceptance of a donation of 10 acres of land from the Meraux Foundation with
the availability of an additional 10 acres within five years after
completion of the hospital.  None of the funding sources permitted the
acquisition of land.  This generous donation provides St. Bernard with a
location for the much needed hospital in the heart of St. Bernard Parish.  

 

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Meraux Foundation last
week, the HSD has taken a critical step towards allowing the necessary site
preparation process to begin.

 

In addition, the HSD has the distinct pleasure to report that the
application for Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) funds has recently
been approved.  This commits $35 million to the St. Bernard hospital
project.  An initial release of $3.1 million will soon be available to meet
immediate development costs.  The funds are beginning to flow!

 

On a final note, the HSD this past Wednesday selected GSP/Sizeler as the
architects for the project.   Many very talented companies replied to the
Request for Proposals making the decision a difficult one.   The HSD thanks
all participating companies.   GSP/Sizeler committed to placing the St.
Bernard Hospital on a "fast track".  The HSD hopes to have plans completed
and shovels in the ground by late summer or early fall of 2009.  

 

Residents of St. Bernard should find a level of comfort with the fact that
the process of designing and constructing a hospital is well on the way.
The obstacles are being overcome and much essential progress has been
achieved.  This is the result of a cooperative effort on the part of the HSD
membership, the Parish Council, the Parish President, and our legislative
delegation.  The hospital in St. Bernard Parish is becoming a reality!

 

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