NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Monday, Jan. 23, 2012

CONTACT: Brooke Bohnenkamp, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Douglas County Receives Grant to Improve Hospital

PIERRE, S.D. – Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour is receiving an upgrade with the help of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) approved by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The Governor awarded Douglas County $515,000 in federal CDBG funds to add a new patient-room area and renovate existing space. Douglas County Memorial Hospital was built in 1957.

“This upgrade will help keep the Douglas County Hospital in line with modern-facility standards,” Gov. Daugaard said. “The medical field is very dynamic, and I’m pleased South Dakota has the resources to help Douglas County continue to offer essential medical care.”

The project, expected to start this spring, will add about 6,450 square feet to north side of the hospital. Larger rooms for patients and modern medical equipment in the new space will better accommodate patient needs.  The area that has been used to house patients will be converted into a nurses’ station, pharmacy and emergency room.

CDBG is a reimbursement program, and Douglas County will receive funds as work is completed.

The CDBG program provides communities and counties with financial resources to address a wide range of unique development needs.  Past grants have been used for improvements and construction of community buildings, water systems, and sewer systems.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the CDBG Program, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development administers it.