SMC ditches expansion plans; Board agrees to build new hospital
By LEE COLEMAN
After months of ballyhoo to raise money through the Sakakawea Medical Center Capital Campaign committee for the proposed expansion of the hospital, SMC has ditched plans for the expansion, instead announcing plans for a a new hospital to be built on the current campus.
The new hospital will be built behind the current hospital and when it is completed, the current hospital will be torn down for a parking lot to service the new facility.
“After significant discussions with state and federal regulators, the construction project manager and with the lead managers of the hospital, the Board of Directors of Sakakawea Medical Center has made the decision to change the scope of our construction and renovation project,” wrote Board President Christie Obenauer in a letter to donors received Monday by the Hazen Star. “Instead of expanding and renovating the preponderance of our existing facility, we have decided to build a new structure that will connect with our Senior Suites. Fortunately, there is sufficient land area to allow the new project to be built on the existing campus.”
According to Obenauer, under the new plan, the construction period will be condensed from 24 months to 16-18 months.
