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            A new long term care facility may be built in Kodiak as early as next year, but a few key decisions need to be made first. The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly will get the ball rolling with those decisions tonight as it convenes for a regular meeting, and will vote on three separate agenda items related to the proposed facility.

            Last week the assembly met for a work session, and discussed the project at length. Borough Manager Bud Cassidy outlined what three decisions the assembly will be voting on during tonight’s meeting.  

--          (LTC Debate 1                       :32                   “One for a lease with Providence … ADA bathrooms.”)

            Long term care facilities are often referred to as nursing homes. In general, Cassidy said the new facility would provide more of a home environment for the aging residents of Kodiak, as opposed to what he called a sanitary hospital setting. He said the lease the borough will sign with Providence outlines which entity is responsible for what.    

--          (LTC Debate 2                       :31                   “The borough is required ... per month lease payment.”)

            Cassidy said the entire project is estimated at more than $18 million.       

--          (LTC Debate 3                       :20                   “The project construction … March 31 of 2014.”)

            Cheryl Brooking is the attorney for the borough and has worked with the assembly on the lease agreement. She said the push to have the facility up and running by 2014 came from Providence.

--          (LTC Debate 4                       :25                   “The 2014 date is important … to move in, in 2014.”)

            While the borough will vote on three key items for the project, the biggest decision will come from the state. Before any new health care facility can be built anywhere in Alaska, a certificate of need must be obtained from the state. A CON has yet to be approved for this project, and if it doesn’t come through, the lease, and project, will be terminated.      

--          (LTC Debate 5                       :30                   “The certificate of need … know that that’s in place.”)

            Since the project has been fast-tracked, the assembly decided to start the process without the CON so things are already in the works if and when the state grants the certificate. Tonight’s regular meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. in the borough assembly chambers, and will broadcast live on KMXT.   

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