Pennsylvania Invests $13.4 Million to Kick Off Butler Memorial Hospital...( Expansion projected to create mor...),Health

Expansion projected to create more than 500 Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A $13.4 million investment by the commonwealth is jump-starting an expansion of the Butler Memorial Hospital that will include a new seven-story acute care tower and on- and off-site road improvements, the Department of Community and Economic Development announced today. The expansion is projected to create more than 500 new jobs.

The state's aid will come in the form of an annual grant of $670,000 each year for 20 years -- for debt service to the Butler County Industrial Development Authority on behalf of the Butler Health System for the $149.3 million project. Butler Health System will ultimately contribute $135.9 million.

"Butler Memorial Hospital is an important player in health care in the region," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky. "It's important to make sure the hospital is equipped to provide Pennsylvanians with the types and quality of health care services they deserve. This is one of the most worthwhile investments we can make."

The funds were made available through the department's Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program, an important component of Gov. Rendell's $2.8 billion economic stimulus package implemented in 2004. Since launching the program in 2004, more than $17 million has been invested in at least 18 projects, leading to pledges of over 30,000 jobs.

Other components of the expansion will include renovation and expansion of its outpatient facility and emergency room, a central utility plant, and technology investments, including enhancements to the hospital's electronic medical record system.

For more information on the Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program and other sources of business, community and infrastructure-related funding, visit http://www.newpa.com or call 1-
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