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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCCApril 6, 2021 Grant County Office of The Board of County Commissioners P O Box 37 Ephrata WA 98823 (509) 754-2011 RE: Requesting Washington State Senate Support of Funding for the Coulee City Medical Clinic project that is included in the proposed 2021-23 House Capital Budget Dear Senator Brad Hawkins and Representative Mike Steele: The Grant County Board of County Commissioners urge your support of $846,000 which is included in the proposed 2021-23 House Capital Budget for the Coulee City Medical Clinic project. The Port of Coulee City has identified a critical need in Coulee City, WA and is working to build a new Medical Clinic there, which would serve the growing rural population of Coulee City and the surrounding area. As a result, the funding from this request would be used by the Port of Coulee City for the construction of the new Medical Clinic which would provide much needed healthcare services to the Coulee City and boost the economy of the local area. The proposed new Coulee City Medical Clinic would be approximately 4,660 square feet and would include examination rooms; treatment rooms; a laboratory; offices for counselors; doctors; nurse's stations, and a conference room. The new proposed larger and better equipped medical clinic in Coulee City would work in conjunction with The Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee and Grant County Mental Health to provide a hub of care, including transitioning of care, education, and direct referrals when needed. In 2015, the Port of Coulee City purchased property at the northeast corner of West Main Street and North Third Street in Coulee City for a new Medical Clinic. In 2018, the Port of Coulee City received $147,000 in the State Capital Budget funding for design and engineering for this project, and more recently the Port received $256,000 in local funding from the Grant County Strategic Infrastructure Program. Furthermore, in addition to the above property the Port has purchased, the Port has provided $125,000 of its own matching funds towards the completion of the new Medical Clinic. The current clinic in Coulee City, located in a World War II era meeting hall, was originally set up in the. 1970s and is too small and understaffed to support the areas' current needs. Without the new Medical Clinic serving the greater Coulee City community, it will make much more difficult for the Port to be able to attract new businesses and industries to the area. A large, well-equipped medical clinic has the potential to stimulate future job and economic growth. A successful medical clinic will draw the attention of other potential developers, attracting new business and industries to the community. The clinic will also increase the local tax base providing more local funding to public services such as schools and public works projects. In summary and for the reasons above we would urge your support for the $846,000 that is included in the proposed 2021-23 House Capital Budget for the Coulee City Medical Clinic project. Sincerely, Grant County Board of Commissioners \ P l� Cindy Ca er, Cliair Danny E. tone, Vice Chair Rob J e , em er DES/bjv Cc: Port of Coulee City 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."