Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker has announced $5 million in capital budget redevelopment assistance for Lower Bucks Hospital to expand and modernize its emergency department and cardiology program.

The project will expand the emergency department space by 13,100 sq. ft. to a total of 22,500 sq. ft. It also will add about 19 emergency room and cardiac services beds to an existing 17-bed unit.

"The staff in the Lower Bucks Hospital emergency room have done an incredible job under difficult, crowded conditions," Schweiker said. "Today, the state is committing itself to working as a partner with the hospital to provide more room for them to provide their essential services.

"This project also will ensure that Lower Bucks Hospital continues its role both as a provider of necessary medical services and as a major employer in the area. I want to thank the General Assembly for supporting this worthwhile project, which is helping us to build a New Pennsylvania."

The Lower Bucks Hospital serves more than 300,000 people, mainly in Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Tullytown Borough, Fairless Hills and Morrisville.

The hospital employs about 775 full-time workers and expects to add about 50 employees as a result of the emergency room expansion project.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program for the acquisition and construction of economic, cultural or civic improvement projects. The General Assembly must authorize funding for projects before they can be considered by the Governor. Since 1985, more than $1.8 billion in redevelopment assistance funds have helped to leverage more than $4.1 billion in local matching funds. Projects range from museums, zoos, theaters and cultural centers to airports, convention centers and industrial parks.

During the Ridge and Schweiker administrations, the number of Pennsylvania counties receiving capital budget redevelopment assistance funds has more than doubled from 22 to 50 counties.

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