Bond Proposal for a New Hospital

A draft overhead view of the Three Rivers campus with a new hospital, expanded parking, and the existing Hillcrest House building. Rendering provided by architect David Franklund. Click the image to enlarge.
After 75 years of service, Three Rivers Hospital is seeking a voter-approved bond to replace our aging facility.
We have invested considerable time and money over the years to maintain our community-owned hospital, but now we have the opportunity to invest in our district’s future health care needs.
Why do we need a new hospital?
- A 2022 study determined that renovating would not be possible due to cost and the limitations of the existing building.
- Our infrastructure is well past the end of its useful life, and manufacturers no longer make parts for some of it. For example, our HVAC system.
- While we have made the best possible use of the space we have, we want to keep up with the growth happening in our area.
Our residents deserve a hospital that is modern, safe, and efficient.
What would a new hospital provide?
- Modern 24/7 emergency care when you need it most
- State-of-the-art laboratory and imaging
- Expanded surgical services that give you more of what you need right here in our community
- Family practice and specialty services in a comfortable clinic setting
- Better opportunity for recruiting and retaining skilled providers and clinical staff: Creating local careers in local health care
Where would the new hospital be located?
- Our proposal is to build on the current site of Three Rivers Hospital, at 507 Hospital Way. To accomplish this, the project is planned in two phases:
- Phase I: Located where the oldest part of the building is, where patient care is no longer provided.
- Phase II: Where the current single-floor hospital and patient care departments are located.
- By building on our current site, our goal is to leverage our funds in a way that allows us to put patient care needs first.
How would a new hospital be funded?
- Our Board of Commissioners approved a bond proposition for the November 7, 2023 general election. You can read the proposition language below.
- The proposed bond is for $72 million, to be paid over 30 years.
- The cost breakdown is $1.39 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The average home value in our hospital district is $180,000. To get the estimated tax amount, multiply 1.39 by 180. That equals about $250.20 per year, or $21 per month.
- Our team is researching other funding options, such as grants.
- If you are an older resident in retirement, or if you are disabled and on a fixed income, you may be eligible for exemption from this property tax if it passes. For more information, click here to read a brochure from the state Department of Revenue: BROCHURE
When would Three Rivers build a new hospital?
- If the bond is approved in November, we would begin the design phase in the second half of 2024.
- Construction may not begin until 2025, and both phases would take about two years to complete. Phase II would closely follow Phase I.
- We will have more details about the timeline as we go.
What would a new hospital look like?
Here are some draft renderings from Theorem Architecture. Click each image to enlarge.
- The front view of what a new hospital could look like. This offers one main entrance to the ER and other hospital services, plus a separate entrance for ambulances and the clinic, Three Rivers Family Medicine.
- This end of the building will house our family practice and specialty clinic, as well as outpatient physical therapy and some offices.
- The back side of the building features a loading dock for deliveries, and it will be accessible for maintenance needs.
- Plans for Phase I include moving the helipad to the roof, accessible by elevator for faster transport to/from the ER.
- A smaller footprint for the hospital will allow for expanded parking compared to what exists currently.
Meetings Calendar
Three Rivers Hospital welcomes invitations to speak to community groups, local service organizations or homeowner associations. We’re happy to provide a 15-20 minute overview of the proposal. To schedule a presentation, please contact Jennifer Best using the information below.
Media
CEO Scott Graham on KOMW’s Healthline program, Sept. 13, 2023. Click the audio player below to listen.
CEO Scott Graham on KOZI Radio, Aug. 14, 2023. Click the audio player below to listen.
Contact Us
Media: Jennifer Best, Business Development Coordinator & Public Records Officer
- Cell Phone: (570) 592-3528
- Email: media@trhospital.net
Administration: (509) 645-3348
- CEO J. Scott Graham: jgraham@trhospital.net
Board Members: (509) 645-3348
- Mike Pruett, Chair: mpruett@trhospital.net
- Cherri Thomas, Vice Chair: cthomas@trhospital.net
- Leslie McNamara, Secretary: lmcnamara@trhospital.net
- David Garcia, Member: dgarcia@trhospital.net
- Dr. Tracy Shrable, Member: tshrable@trhospital.net
Bond Proposition for November 7, 2023 Ballot
PROPOSITION 1
PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 1
OKANOGAN AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES WASHINGTON
(Three Rivers Hospital)
BONDS FOR NEW HOSPITAL
The Commission of Public Hospital District No. 1, Okanogan and Douglas Counties, Washington, adopted Resolution No. 2023-03 concerning a proposition for the construction of a new hospital and related health care facilities. If approved, this proposition would authorize the District to construct, equip and furnish a new hospital and carry out other capital improvements deemed necessary or advisable by the Commission; issue no more than $72,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 30 years; and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 2023-03. Should this proposition be:
- Approved
- Rejected
Additional Materials
2022 Architectural and Engineering Study (available only in English)