Lang
9/1/21
A proposed University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics facility in North Liberty has finally been given state approval.
The State Health Facilities Council voted 4-1 at its Tuesday meeting in favor of the $230 million project. A previous version of the council voted against the project in February. Since then, one member who voted against the proposal left and was replaced by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
The reapplication clarified the need for a 48-bed, 300,000 square foot facility while easing fears that it would steal business from other community health providers and put some of the smaller ones out of business.
Letters opposing the project’s original proposal nearly doubled those in favor, 53-27. With the revamped proposal, 80 letters opposed the project, with 69 supporting.
Some of the more high-profile letters of support come from former Hawkeye Chuck Long, Mary Ferentz, North Liberty mayor Terry Donohue, Coralville mayor John Lundell, and state senators Mark Costello, Dave Jacoby and Kevin Kinney.
Those opposing the project included area physicians, clinics and hospitals.
The facility will be located near the corner of Highway 965 and Forevergreen Road. Early projections have it opening in 2025.