Pictured in front of the final steel beam for the new addition, from left to right are: Norm Mitry, president & CEO of Heritage Valley Health System, Rose Nolan, COO of Heritage Valley, Laura Vassamillet, chairperson, Heritage Valley Board of Directors, Rep. Jim Marshall, Sen. Elder Vogel, and Rep. Jim Christiana.

(Beaver, PA – February 19, 2009) – At a ceremony Tuesday night at the Beaver campus of Heritage Valley Health System, Representative Jim Marshall, Representative Jim Christiana and Senator Elder Vogel announced that Governor Rendell has authorized the release of $1,000,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding for the Heritage Valley Beaver Emergency Department building addition and renovation project.

RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects. One of the primary uses of RACP Funds is the reimbursement of construction costs.

“Improvement on the Emergency Department at Heritage Valley Beaver enhances the health and safety of all residents of Beaver County and the surrounding regions,” said Rep. Marshall. “We were honored to advocate for funding toward this endeavor.”

Heritage Valley’s $20M three-story building addition and renovation project will include an expanded Emergency Department, GI Lab and shell space for future expansion. The renovation also includes a future heart and vascular center, improved parking lot and a new main entrance to the hospital.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, medical staff and employees, we sincerely appreciate the efforts of Representative Marshall, Representative Christiana and Senator Vogel as well as Governor Rendell in obtaining this funding,” said Norm Mitry, President and CEO of Heritage Valley Health System. “This investment in the expansion project at Heritage Valley Beaver, combined with the support of the community through our Capital Campaign, will allow us to continue to provide the best possible health care for the residents of this area for many years to come.”

Visitors to the Heritage Valley website can keep abreast of the construction at Heritage Valley Beaver by visiting www.heritagevalley.org and clicking on the “Construction & Parking Updates – Beaver Campus” button on the homepage.