By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Nearly two years since it was announced, T.J. Regional Health is still awaiting federal funds necessary to expand to the third floor of the T.J. Health Pavilion in Glasgow.
The third floor expansion was announced on May 13, 2024 during a “Legislator Appreciation Reception,” according to prior reporting. At the time, T.J. Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Neil Thornbury said the 31,000 square-foot expansion would cost roughly $6.9 million.
The delay is not due to a loss of funding, which is through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, but to a lengthy federal process that follows an initial approval, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Development Stacey Biggs told Glasgow News 1.
“We are still in the application process with the USDA, so work hasn’t started inside the space yet,” Biggs wrote in an email to Glasgow News 1. “Although the application part of the process is taking longer than expected, there are many other preparations happening behind the scenes…so that when the application process is complete, we will be ready to proceed with bidding and ultimately construction.”
T.J. Regional Health has submitted all requested paperwork, but changes in administration at both the state and federal levels have led U.S. Department of Agriculture officials to ask for many documents to be submitted a second or even a third time, according to Biggs.
Biggs said the project’s architectural firm is putting final touches on floor plans, while the system evaluates options for clinical equipment such as exam tables, as well as flooring, lighting and furniture for the new spaces. The health system is also working to secure a third-party engineering firm, which Biggs said will be required by USDA to inspect the project during construction.
The project has not yet been put out to bid for construction, Biggs said.
Key Facts
– T.J. Regional Health announced a pavilion expansion in May 2024 in Glasgow
– Project is described as 31,000 square feet, costing about $6.9 million
– Federal funding is tied to USDA Rural Development
– Nearly two years later, the money reportedly has not yet arrived
– T.J. officials say extensive paperwork and resubmissions have slowed the process
– Design work, equipment planning and engineering preparation are underway
– Construction bids have not yet been sought, pending USDA approval
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