HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCC (002)March 26, 2024
GRANT COUNTY
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
P O Box 37
EPHRATA WA 9BB23
(509) 754-201 1
Re: Support of Phase 5 Federal Funding Request for the Port of Coulee City Medical Center
and Library Project
To whom it may concern,
The Grant County Board of Commissioners are writing in support of the Port of Coulee City (Grant
County Port District No. 4) request for $3 million in FY 2025 Federal Congressionally Directed
Spending (CDS) Funding for Phase 5 of the Port's Medical Center and Library Project.
A few years ago, the Port of Coulee City and Town of Coulee City identified a new library and
new medical clinic as critical needs for the Coulee City, WA area to serve the growing rural
population of Coulee City and the surrounding areas. Both the current library and current medical
clinic in Coulee City are in antiquated and outdated buildings and facilities. For example, the
current medical clinic, located in a World War II era meeting hall, was originally set up in the
1970's and is too small and understaffed to support the area's current needs. The new proposed
medical center would work In conjunction with neighboring hospitals in Grant County as well as
with Grant County Mental Health to provide a hub and spoke system of care, including
transitioning of care, education, and direct referrals when needed.
Since 2015, for Phases 1-4 of the Medical Center and Library Project, the Port of Coulee City and
Town of Coulee City have raised nearly $1.8 million in state funding and about $900,000 in local
Grant County SIP (Strategic Infrastructure Program) Funding, while the Port has contributed about
$500,000 of its own funding to purchase property (at the northeast corner of West Main Street and
North Third Street in Coulee City) and for matching funds towards the completion of the new
medical center/library building. In total, over $3 million in state and local funds have been raised
for Phases 1-4 of this project; however, more funding is needed to complete Phase 5, which is the
final phase of this important project.
Phase 1 of the project included predesign efforts, review of potential funding sources,p urchase of
the property, clearing of the site, and a detailed topographic survey in anticipation of n
servi design
services. Phase 2 of the project included design and permitting of the building.
Danny E. Stone Rob Jones Cindy Carter
District 1 District 2 District 3
"TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS? SERVING TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES, WHILE FOSTERING
A RESPECTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT."
Phase 3 of the project is currently in the beginning stages and is beingdone in conjunction con� tlon with
Phase 4. As part of Phase 3, the Port conducted a formal bid process on the project and the lowest
qualified bidder was selected. Phase 3 of the project will consist of construction of the new building
ullding
and equipping of the new Medical Center part of the building, which will likely y occur in 2024.
Phase 4 of the project is also just beginning and will include "Tenant Improvements" p for the
facility. In summary, Phases 3 and 4 will construct a new building that will house t
. g he medical
center in one half and the library in the other half.
The final phase (Phase 5) of the Port's Medical Center and Library Project would include
construction of a standalone new library building (next to the Phases 3-4 new combined medical
center/library building) and would also complete a new medical center in 100% of the Phases 3-4
standalone building as well as do the remaining tenant improvements to the medical center
building.
In conclusion, we support the Port of Coulee City request for $3 million in FY 2025 Federal
Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Funding for Phase 5 (the final phase) of the Port's
Medical Center and Library Project.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF GRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
:bjv
Danny E. Stone, Vice -Chair
CC: Port of Coulee City / Port District No. 4
Rob J s�,ember