Memorial Health System Awarded $1.6 Million Grant from Southeastern Ohio Port Authority
Memorial Health System is thrilled to announce their acceptance of a $1,594,764 grant from Southeastern Ohio Port Authority, made possible through the leadership of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. This funding has supported the demolition and removal of a 74,592-square-foot industrial building at the site of the health system’s future Women and Children’s Hospital—an ambitious project that will serve as the region’s only destination for specialized women’s and pediatric care.
The demolished industrial building, otherwise known as the Toll Compaction site, was previously used for manufacturing and chemical storage. In addition, the redevelopment of the site includes soil remediation to meet the high environmental standards set by the Voluntary Action Program (VAP).
Once completed, the site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility offering pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological services, including a level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The upcoming Women and Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Akron Children’s, will support families and provide specialized care for women and children unlike ever before with a modern, welcoming environment.
In addition to its healthcare impact, the redevelopment project will create 50 new jobs while retaining 200 existing positions, contributing significantly to the local economy.
“This grant allows us to turn an underutilized property into a healthcare facility that will benefit generations to come,” says Memorial Health System President and CEO, Scott Cantley. “We are deeply grateful to Southeastern Ohio Port Authority and Governor DeWine for their support in making this vision a reality.”
Jesse C. Roush, Executive Director of Southeastern Ohio Port Authority comments: “The Port Authority has been committed to brownfield redevelopment in Washington County for several years, and this project represents the most impactful opportunity we have had the privilege to support. There is no better success story in this space than transforming a brownfield into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility. We applaud Memorial Health System and its partners for setting the gold standard for brownfield cleanup and remediation in our community.”
Roush continues by noting that this is the second largest award issued to a project in an Appalachian County during this round of funding.
