New County Health Center Is Back In State Budget

Due to the budget shortfall for the State, and subsequent budget revamping, the funding for the needed Jackson County Health Center looked like it was dead and buried. However, Senator Al Lawson has been working diligently in Tallahassee, discussing the need that exists in our area with key state officials, and his work appears to have reaped rewards.
The original funding of $11,000,000 was planned through grants from the Lawton Childs Endowment Fund. When the revenue shortfalls became evident, the funding for this project was withdrawn.
It now appears that that original funding has been reinstated in the current budget for both the Senate and the House, and is awaiting final approval from Governor Charlie Crist. If the measure is approved as expected, construction could start as early as July. It will take approximately fourteen months for completion.
Senator Lawson serves on several key committees in State Government. Among these, he is Chairman of the Government Operations Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Government Appropriations Committee, and serves on the Health Regulation Committee.
William Long, Administrator of the Jackson County Public Health Department stated, "We are all very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Senator Al Lawson and his staff on our behalf. They have performed a meaningful service to many of the citizens of our area."
When asked what the location of the new facility will be, Long stated that several sites have been under consideration, and the final choice would be made within a few days after final approval. "I’m holding my breath and saying nothing until it has final approval", Long stressed. "This could be a successful ending to an effort begun many years ago. Let us all keep our fingers crossed for the next few days."