By John M. Ayers

The Gilchrist County Commission received an update involving Tri-County Hospital, LLC in Chiefland during their meeting on Monday. Frank Schupp, director of the hospital organization, reported the revised plan for the new hospital identifies a 60 bed facility that is designed for two stories with a third level to be constructed at a later date.

An architect’s rendering of the planned Tri-County Hospital.

Schupp explained through Florida Enterprise, that Tri-County Hospital, LLC has been selected for a $40 million low interest loan over a 20-year term.
The director pointed out that the financing would involve a bonding program that Gilchrist, Levy and Dixie counties would have to approve. Schupp told the board that he had already received support from Levy and Dixie counties and Gilchrist County’s support will be needed for this project to progress.
Schupp pointed out that he would be full time in the Tri-County area working on the construction of the Tri-County Hospital, LLC.
The project is expected to get off the ground with funding approval in August 2009. The facility is expected to be completed and begin receiving patients by August 2011. Once opened, the hospital will have an estimated staff of 350 employees.