Congressman Kurt Schrader and Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden applauded today’s announcement by U.S. Housing and Urban Development that Santiam Memorial Hospital in Stayton, Oregon has been approved for a $27 million loan to expand their facilities. 

“I am pleased the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be providing Santiam Memorial Hospital with the funding they need to expand their facilities to further meet the area’s health care needs,” said Schrader. “With this loan, Santiam Memorial will be able offer critical in-patient care in addition to advanced surgical facilities providing our local community with the quality health care services our residents need.” 

“People in rural Marion County shouldn’t have to drive all the way to Salem for quality health facilities and today’s announcement will provide an expanded hospital for the Stayton and surrounding communities,” said Merkley. “I’m excited about the positive impact this expansion will have on the entire Santiam Canyon community.” 

"This loan not only helps to expand a hospital that has served Stayton for over 50 years, but also advances the Oregon health care system toward one where all Oregonians can get high quality care in their own communities," said Wyden.

The loan announced today by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department will provide the funding to allow Santiam Memorial Hospital to expand and add a surgical suite, in-patient and intensive care unit facilities. Construction on the expansion will being in fall 2010 and the expansion is intended to open in 18 months. The funding for today’s announcement comes from HUD Section 242 program.