FEMA Grants $9.27 Million For Interim Sumter Regional Medical Complex
Release Date: August 1, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-120
ATLANTA, Ga. -- On March 1, a tornado tore a one-mile wide, six-mile long swath across the community of Americus, Ga. It zeroed in on Sumter Regional Hospital, the area's largest medical facility and major employer. Dawn's light found the 143-bed hospital severely damaged, the adjacent HealthPlex destroyed, 70 patients safely evacuated and some 700 personnel temporarily displaced.
On July 31, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it has obligated $9.27 million for interim replacement of the facilities of which $1.88 million will fund the outer shell construction and nearly $7.39 million will be used for interior build-out. FEMA's commitment represents 75 percent of the total estimated cost of $12.36 million.
"Sumter Regional Hospital reflects the resiliency, perseverance and optimism of the community," said Phil May, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region IV. "I am impressed with the tremendous progress achieved to date, and FEMA will continue to be a partner in that recovery."
In late June, officials unveiled plans for the complex, which will be constructed of high-tech Cogim modular units supplied by FEMA. The units can be combined in various configurations and expanded to provide usable floor space to meet nearly any requirement. According to the agency, which stocks the system for use in disasters, this is the first time the components have been configured as a medical facility in the United States.
FEMA delivered the first modular components 30 days into the disaster recovery. The hospital subsequently needed additional elements designed to accommodate operating rooms and other areas that required higher ceilings. Once assembled, the rigid interlocking structures will be sturdy, weatherproof, insulated, and capable of withstanding winds up to 140 mph.
Upon completion, the 70,000 square foot, 70-bed interim hospital will feature an emergency room, operating rooms, labor and delivery rooms, a nursery and patient bed units. The interim hospital will provide medical care to the region for approximately three years. When the hospital authority restores the permanent hospital, the modules will be disassembled by FEMA for re-use in future disasters.
FEMA will disburse the money to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for reimbursement to Sumter Regional Hospital. The grant comes from FEMA's Public Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to state and federal governments and eligible non-profit organizations for disaster-related cleanup and rebuilding to pre-disaster condition.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 01-Aug-2007 16:50:39