Dirt is ready to fly in WMC Groundbreaking Ceremony
Construction at the site of the new Winston Medical Center has
been ongoing for several months but Thursday was the first opportunity to conduct a groundbreaking ceremony. The two year anniversary of the April 28, 2014 tornado was an appropriate date to show the progress made toward replacing the previous facility that was heavily damaged in that storm.
Structures have begun to rise on the site and was the backdrop for the ceremony as local dignitaries, State Representative Joey Hood and State Senator Jenifer Branning and Governor Phil Bryant were in attendance.
Mayor Will Hill opened the event and acknowledged the day as a celebration. "Last year at this time we joined to mourn and to remember. We join today to look at tomorrow, our progress and our recovery."
Governor Bryant speaks to crowd
Reverend Anthony McIntosh led the invocation and Steve Eiland sang the Star Spangled Banner before several speakers took the microphone. District Two Supervisor Luke Parkes took the opportunity to thank the Federal and State governments for their assistance during the past two years and to also voice his support and concern for full funding of MEMA.
Governor Bryant spoke of his experience during and after the storm including his wife's presence in the community as the tornado struck. He noted the importance of the establishment of the temporary hospital and its importance to the community and the need to keep local doctors, nurses and health care personnel in the area until a new facility could be constructed. He indicated that future residents would know that they have the best medical care available based upon the efforts of all those involved. "We are here today to make sure that happens."
Paul Black shows WMC layout to Governor Bryant
Chief Financial Officer Paul Black thanked state, county and city first responders as well as volunteers for their efforts on the night of the storm. Thanks were also extended to the University Medical Center, Louisville First United Methodist Church, First Lady Deborah Bryant, FEMA, MEMA, Renasant Insurance, the Director of Health Protection with the Ms Department of Health, Winston County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Hill and Aldermen, Louisville Utilities, WCEDP, legislators, Broaddus & Associates, Pryor & Morrow, Yates Construction.
The new medical complex will encompass a 14 bed hospital, medical clinic and nursing home facilities. Costs are expected at $52 million- $47million for construction and $5 million to equip the facility.The projected completion date is Spring of 2017.
More photos from the event are available by clicking here