The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $75 million Community Facilities Direct Loan to Community Hospital Association in McCook for a campus expansion.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $75 million Community Facilities Direct Loan to Community Hospital Association in McCook for a campus expansion.

USDA said the project will add more than 70,000 square feet, including a 55,000-square-foot addition to the McCook Clinic, an 11,235-square-foot cancer center addition, and a 7,680-square-foot replacement and expansion of the central utility plant.

The improvements are intended to expand clinical and cancer-care capacity for residents in the hospital’s service area, which USDA said includes more than 30,000 people.

“It is important that rural residents have access to modern healthcare services, and Rural Development is excited to partner with CHA to update its healthcare facility in McCook,” said Neil Moseman, USDA’s Nebraska state director.

Community Hospital CEO Troy Bruntz said the hospital has worked with Rural Development for decades to replace aging facilities and add space for new services.

“This is the next chapter in our continued pursuit to provide the space and services necessary for southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas to live a healthier future,” Bruntz said. “We are very appreciative of USDA’s trust in us and the work they have done to get us to this point.”

USDA said the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program provides affordable financing to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. More information about USDA Rural Development programs is available at rd.usda.gov/ne.