RCH expansion, Trail Town grant

 

Pursuing progress

 

By Wade Daffron

TJ Editor

 

As the sullen days of winter fall away, signs of progress are blooming as spring approaches…

Monday, at the regular monthly meeting of the Russell County Fiscal Court, Judge Randy Marcum told the court about exciting projects underway which will benefit the county now, and for years to come.

“I’m really pleased with how things are going at the hospital,” Judge Marcum told the court. “They’re getting ready to do some expansion.”

Marcum invited Russell County Hospital (RCH) CEO Scott Thompson to address the court.

“We’re scheduled for…putting a shovel in the ground…the end of April or first of May,” Thompson said. “They’re telling us it will take 12-16 months to complete.”

The expansion project includes moving the business office and helipad from their present locations.

“The new building will take it (that space),” he explained to the court. “The new space will go out from the ER toward the business office, and the new building will go all the way to there.”

“There’ll be a brand-new ER, OR, new Radiology,” he said, “a new front lobby, a lot of new parking, new Admissions, we’ll have room and privacy…and we’re looking at the possibility of a new Medical Office building.”

“It’s been a long-time coming,” Thompson said. “There’s not been a major upgrade, other than just sprucing up a little bit, since 1981 when the building was completed.

“This will be a $30-35 million expansion,” the CEO said. “The nice part of this is with what the state did for us (State Rep. Josh Branscum helped secure funding for the expansion project) and operations from the hospital, we won’t be borrowing any money for it. We’re going to ‘cash flow’ it. We’re thankful to be able to do it, and looking forward to getting started.”

“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Judge Marcum said. “I think it’s going to change people’s attitudes and minds about our hospitals.”

Danielle Wilson, Executive Director of the Lake Cumberland Tourist Commission, followed with more good news.

Wilson told the court the Tourist Commission was awarded a $30,000 grant from the state Tourism, Arts and Heritage Department under House Bill 1.

“Back in October…a grant opened up,” she explained to the court. “The maximum amount you could get was $30,000. We applied…and last (week) we were notified we got $30,000.”

With an ultimate plan for revamping of the Greasy Creek area, Wilson said the grant will provide “critical infrastructure improvements, including kayak and bike racks, benches, signage, and other amenities aimed at increasing foot traffic and accessibility for tourists and locals.”

“These additions will make the newly updated roadside park a natural extension of the Jamestown Tail Town,” she said, “providing visitors and residents with expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Wilson, Russell County Deputy Judge Executive Susan Melton, Judge Marcum and others have worked to seek funding and support to eventually revamp and develop the Greasy Creek area in hopes of having an improved boat-launching ramp, fishing pier, access to both Lake Cumberland and the Cumberland River, along with other amenities.

The Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD) has also contributed $5,000 toward the project, Wilson said.

“This funding is a significant step forward in our mission to promote outdoor tourism in Russell County,” she said. “By linking the Jamestown Trail Town to Greasy Creek Roadside Park, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local business and driving economic growth in the region.”

“There’s a lot of things going on,” Judge Marcum said. “Hopefully we’ll start seeing some things happen.”