Telluride Medical Center: New Facility, Step by Step

27 Jun Telluride Medical Center: New Facility, Step by Step

Last month, representatives from the Telluride Hospital District, including board members and the Medical Center’s CEO, traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with the USDA regarding the Community Facilities Program.

To understand the importance of a new medical venue, see this story on the Telluride Med Center’s current capacity challenge. In addition, the Telluride Medical Center posts updates on the mission to secure a new site for a facility on its website, tellmed.org.

The USDA Community Facilities Program funds essential community infrastructure to make sure rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those living in urban centers.

Through this program, the USDA offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in rural communities. The funds increase the competitiveness of rural areas by attracting and retaining businesses that provide services and employment opportunities for residents.

In April, the Telluride Hospital District announced a Memo of Understanding was signed with Genesee Properties regarding a potential donation of 2.6 acres at Society Turn for a new facility.

While the conveyance of the property remains contingent on several factors, including securing land use approvals to classify the development as “mixed-use,” John Gardner, CEO of the Medical Center along with board president Richard Betts and committee office Chris Chaffin, visited with USDA Program Directors and members of the Community Programs division to build momentum for funding a facility that will accommodate the needs of the Telluride community.

“It was a very positive meeting. We learned what our next steps will be to secure funding for a 40-year loan that will lock in an interest rate below current rates,” said Gardner.

The Hospital District now turns their efforts towards commissioning a Preliminary Architecture Review and securing a certified forecast model for the new facility to confirm financial feasibility.

According to Gardner, USDA representatives visited Telluride on June 19 to gain a better understanding of current operations and the Hospital District’s vision for the future.

For over 40 years, the Telluride Medical Center has leased a remodeled 1960’s building on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Townsend  Street from Newmont Mining (formerly Idarado Mining Co.).

“We’re 100 percent committed to making sure this new opportunity for a facility comes to fruition,” said Gardner. “This community deserves a new medical center to meet a growing demand for services.”