North Coast sees millions in earmark money

Eureka Times Standard

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, announced a number of earmarks from a $410 billion federal spending bill for the North Coast.

Among them is $238,000 to St. Joseph Hospital for its $127 million hospital tower, which is currently under construction. The project will more than double the size of the hospital's emergency department and add operating and intensive care rooms.

”Today's news is particularly important to us here in Humboldt County as we continue to feel the pinch of the economy on both our daily operations and our capital efforts to improve our facilities,” said St. Joseph President and CEO Joe Mark.

St. Joseph's current fundraising total is now more than $9.5 million. Once the local health system reaches $12.5 million, its parent organization, St. Joseph Health System has pledged to match the money dollar-for-dollar.

”St. Joseph Hospital is an important pillar of our community,” Thompson said. “By expanding the hospital's capacity to serve the county, our families will have increased access to health care.”

Other efforts benefiting from earmarks are the National Marine Fisheries Service's research into Klamath River fish diseases, which received $640,000.

Some $900,000 will go toward Eureka's Martin Slough Interceptor project.

Another $900,000 will go to the Smith River Rancheria for wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe will get $721,000 for its Bald Hills Road slide mitigation effort.