CLEARFIELD – Penn Highlands has plans to embark upon an extensive building and expansion project throughout its healthcare system.
The DuBois City Hospital Authority held a public hearing March 26 with regard to its proposed bond issuance not to exceed $185 million for the benefit of the Penn Highlands project.
On Tuesday the Clearfield County Commissioners passed a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) resolution for Penn Highlands’ project financing.
Solicitor Kim Kesner explained that in order for the bond issuance to have a tax-free status, the governing body – where the funds will be expended – must approve the purpose as required by Internal Revenue Code.
According to the TEFRA meeting minutes provided by Kesner, Penn Highlands’ project will consist of:
- constructing and equipping a six-story wing at the main hospital in DuBois that is expected to accommodate expanded inpatient, outpatient and support services.
- constructing and equipping a second six-story wing at the main hospital in DuBois that is expected to accommodate a new emergency department and patient tower.
- constructing and equipping a medical office building outpatient center, also known as the Center of Excellence Project, on Hospital Avenue in DuBois.
- constructing and equipping a medical office building outpatient center in Clarion.
- constructing and equipping a four-story wing to the existing building on Maple Avenue, DuBois, in order to expand adult and adolescent behavioral health services.
- renovating the emergency department and main entrance of the existing hospital in Clearfield.
- constructing a medical office building outpatient center on the hospital campus in Brookville.
- renovating the existing long-term care facility on the hospital campus in St. Marys.
- completing miscellaneous capital projects devoted to the exempt activities of the benefited entities at the project locations.
- refinancing a previous bond issue from 2014.
