Major investment for Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center

EUP News, February 26, 2011 - Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced today that Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center in St. Ignace would be receiving a major investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency to help begin construction on the hospital’s new long-term care facility. Senator Stabenow was instrumental in securing this $4.5 million loan for the new facility.

“From the beginning of this effort, I have been proud to partner with the community, the Sault Tribe of the Chippewa Indians, and the hospital to create this facility that is so vital to St. Ignace and the surrounding areas,” Senator Stabenow said. “This hospital has been built on partnerships that are bringing jobs to the area, and I will continue working to strengthen this one-of-a-kind comprehensive health care facility.”

“We are thrilled we will now be able to begin construction on our long-term care replacement facility,” said Rodney M. Nelson, CEO of the Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center. “The new facility will be a great enhancement to our region’s healthcare delivery system and its construction will create jobs in the Straits area. We have been working closely with Senator Stabenow, former Representative Bart Stupak, and USDA officials for the past five years on our facility projects and are very excited that our efforts are yielding results.”

Senator Stabenow worked closely with former Representative Bart Stupak to support the rebuilding of this hospital and passing legislation in the Senate to allow the Sault Tribe to provide the land for the hospital. She attended the dedication of the hospital last June. Senator Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, which has jurisdiction over rural development projects.