Nov 16 2009
Governor Edward G. Rendell today heralded the start of construction on the new Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and said the $244 million project is good news for the regional economy, but most importantly, for sick children and their families.
The project is expected to create 300 construction jobs and another 1,200 jobs once the facility is completed.
"Today's groundbreaking is great news for the mid-state region," said Governor Rendell. "The economic benefit is obvious--a sizeable investment in the community in a project that will create good-paying jobs. We are committed to supporting projects like these because of the results they generate and the impact they have on supporting strong, vibrant communities.
"Most important, though, is what this facility will mean to children and their families. Not only will this new facility provide exceptional care, it will provide a measure of comfort during what can be a trying time. As any parent knows, when a child is sick, nothing else in the world matters; you want to be there for them. This facility will help meet that need for parents by providing accommodations to moms and dads who want to stay with their child during treatment."
The Governor noted that the commonwealth is investing $14 million in the project, with $10 million the state's Public Improvement Program and $4 million in grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The new 252,000-square-foot Children's Hospital will be a five-story building with an additional floor below ground. It will be built adjacent to the Medical Center's main entrance and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute.
The facility will include pediatric surgical suites, private pediatric and adolescent patient rooms, outpatient clinics for children with cancer, and a new pediatric radiology unit. It also will feature educational resource centers for families to learn about childhood illnesses, health and wellness, including a "safety store."
The design is child-friendly with a look and feel appropriate for young patients and their families.
The project also includes expanding the nearby Centerview Parking garage and adding a new support services building to accommodate the growth associated with the new Children's Hospital. The garage expansion will provide 935 parking spaces through a four-level addition to the existing garage.
Construction of the new hospital is expected to be completed in 2012.
Media contacts:
Luke Webber, DCED; 717-783-1132
Michael Smith, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Source: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/