FEMA Announces Additional $46 Million For Columbus Hospital
Release Date: February 20, 2009
Release Number: 1766-071
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the release of $46 million more to the State of Indiana to help pay for the repair of disaster related damage to Columbus Regional Hospital in Bartholomew County.
Funds will be released to the hospital as documentation of expenses is provided.
On June 7, 2008, floodwaters inundated the hospital. The entire basement, containing much of the hospital's medical and lab equipment was filled floor to ceiling with floodwater, mud and silt. In addition, the first floor area sustained heavy damage from the floodwater and mud.
The hospital is a regional healthcare facility providing vital services such as surgery and emergency care for multiple counties in the southeastern portion of the state. During the course of a year, the hospital may treat more than 200,000 patients. Columbus Regional also employs 1800 people and is critical to the area's economy. The facility was forced to shut down as a result of the flood and did not reopen until October of 2008.
While the hospital carried insurance for the disaster, the insurance only covered a portion of the damage.
In January FEMA announced the release of nearly $7 million for cleanup and debris removal work performed at the hospital. Today's announcement represents funds for work to help bring major components of the hospital back to pre-disaster condition. Total estimate for this work is $61,350,103. The federal share for the project is $46,012,577. That is 75% of the total estimate.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Monday, 23-Feb-2009 08:20:12