Hospital board takes no action on early start for new facility

Hospital Administrator Tom Hudgins was granted the authority to officially start construction of the new facility on White Walnut Road as soon as he receives a notice to proceed from USDA at a previous meeting.

The board discussed authorizing an early (at risk) start at a continued board meeting Monday evening, but took no action.

The board had asked Hudgins to get the answer to two questions at the last board meeting. Those questions were:

1. When did the 120 day guarantee on subcontractors' prices expire. The answer is Oct. 13. So far, only the cost of drywall has increased.

2. How much would it cost PCH if the project began then the financing did not go through? Hudgins said the worst case scenario would cost the hospital about $2 million.

Board Chairman John Shotton pointed out that bad weather is upon us. There is no guarantee that significant progress could be made yet this year.

Jimmy Hunter, Superintendent with construction management firm Robins & Morton, said that the crews employed to move dirt have methods to work in the snow.

Hunter said he cannot predict the weather. However, any drainage work that can be done soon is a plus. Crews must move utility lines and install a temporary and permanent access roads, as well.

At the Dec. 2 meeting Hudgins said he expected to have the closing instructions on the UDSA loan before Christmas. There have not been any changes to that timeline.