With the signature still wet on the bill, the National Defense Authorization Act will provide $80 million for the construction of a new 102,000 square-foot medical facility in Fort Knox, Kentucky.
It will replace the existing Ireland Army Community Hospital, according to a statement from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
"The construction of a new medical facility at Fort Knox to replace the aging Ireland Army Hospital represents a smart investment by the Department of Defense, not only for current service members, families and military retirees but for the future of this premier Army installation," said retired Major General Bill Barron, executive director of the CORE Committee serving the Fort Knox Community, in a statement.
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"The Fort Knox Community has worked closely with Sen. McConnell for a number of years to et this new medical facility built," he said, "and it would not have been possible without his commitment to seeing it through."
Ireland Army is one of the oldest hospitals now serving the armed forces, having been built 57 years ago. It serves more than 40,000 service members, army civilians and military families.
On Tuesday, a U.S. Army representative told Healthcare Finance that Irish Army Community Hospital is still considered a safe and viable facility.
"The old hospital building was opened in 1958 and renovated in 1978," according to the Army's statement. "As parts and systems of the building have deteriorated, facility management has replaced or upgraded facility systems to ensure a safe environment of care has been provided for patients and staff that meet safety, health and accreditation standards."
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"Due to the aging infrastructure, combined with the expected troop population growth in 2005-2007 associated with base realignment and closure initiatives, it made business sense to build a new facility rather than to continue to invest in the maintenance and repair of an old building. In spite of the age of the current building, the providers and medical staff of Irwin Army Community Hospital continue to meet national standards of patient care and safety. The new Irwin Army community hospital project is a normal recapitalization process of the facility's lifecycle."
McConnell, in a statement, said area residents have been advocating for the new facility for years.
Twitter: @JELagasse