Atlanta-based Grady Health System is asking two Georgia counties to pony up an extra $21 million toward an expansion project with a cost estimate that's risen from $203 million to $231.3 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The two counties already have committed $90 million to the project.
Grady, which serves poor residents, plans to build a surgical center and expand a center devoted to HIV and AIDS treatment. Fulton and DeKalb Counties are contributing to the development, scheduled for completion in mid-2021, since they jointly control the Atlanta hospital and network of clinics. The funding is generally divided on a 2:1 ratio — Fulton to DeKalb — to reflect that patient mix.
To meet Grady's request for another $21 million combined, the Fulton Board of Commissioners would need to increase funding from $60 million to $74.2 million, and DeKalb commissioners would need to bring their $30 million contribution to $37.1 million, according to the report.
The AJC spoke to an official from each county, both of whom indicated they are in favor of granting the health system's request, but they said the decision rests with their governing bodies.
So far, Grady has submitted a letter of intent for the development project but hasn't applied for a certificate of need.
Shannon Sale, senior vice president and chief of strategy with Grady, told the AJC the system needs to expand as soon as possible to accommodate more voluntary surgeries in the hospital. Once the expansion is complete, the main hospital also will have room for 40 to 50 more beds.