Augusta, Ga.-based University Hospital's board of trustees voted Thursday to increase the budget for its emergency department expansion by $12 million, bringing the price tag for the project to $42 million, according to The Augusta Chronicle.
The higher price tag for the ED expansion is partially a result of the sheer number of construction projects underway in the Augusta area, which is causing local construction projects to increase in price, said University Hospital CEO Jim Davis, according to the report.
In addition, the increased budget was due to several improvements costing more than expected, including an added charge to move various departments to accommodate the expansion, an additional cost to improve infrastructure to meet code requirements and an increased expenditure on information technology.
While the board approved a $42 million budget, the hospital hopes to use less.