Gadsden gets boost with two projects
Gadsden gets boost with two projects
Two projects planned for this year — in corrections and health care — hold the promise of bringing jobs to Gadsden County.
Tallahassee Community College President Bill Law announced last week plans to construct a 576-inmate re-entry corrections facility at the TCC Public Safety Institute and the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy on U.S. Highway 90 in Midway.
This project will create jobs both in construction and in employment of instructors when the facility is completed.
“We are trying to move this forward quickly,” Law said. He said the facility when completed will help inmates improve their skills and employability.
After taking courses in various skills, and once they are released from prison, inmates will have a chance to find a job, make a living and support their families. The re-entry facility was approved by the Florida Department of Corrections.
There are several additional benefits to Gadsden County. In addition to local jobs during construction and employment of instructors, the facility will have a cafeteria and local purchasing of food, equipment, teaching supplies and more.
Hospital reopening
The second project is one that many citizens doubted would ever happen. Everyone will be happy to know that the planned opening of the reconstructed Gadsden County Hospital, barring anything unforeseen, is set for June 1.
The county has to meet a deadline of June 21, set by the Agency for Health Care Administration, to complete opening of the hospital.
The Gadsden Hospital Inc., board met Monday at the Gadsden County Hospital board room on U.S. 90 to approve the lease of the hospital facility by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and Capital Regional Medical Center. On Tuesday evening, the Gadsden County Commission had on its agenda approval of the lease, naming HCA/CRMC the operator of the emergency facility.
“We have already listed the equipment that is required, and it has been ordered,” said board chairman Craig McMillan, The total project cost $14 million. It will be a 24-hour emergency facility.
The lease, for five years with renewals, is for 44,000 square feet (most of the building). The county has agreed to maintain the 15-acre grounds and exterior of the building. The hospital trust income will go to HCA/CRMC, which will receive 50 percent of the surtax not already pledged toward the debt service of the $10 million bond. The remaining funds are to be used for indigent care as determined by the Gadsden County Health Council.
HCA operates 165 hospitals nationwide, and Capital Regional Medical Center is a for-profit hospital located in Tallahassee.
Gadsden County has been without a hospital for several years. Gadsden County Chairman Eugene Lamb said he was pleased at the result of these recent activities.