By Sara StrongThe city of Luverne has a better idea of what it has to contribute to make the new hospital and clinic project happen.Engineers from DeWild Grant Reckert and Associates, Rock Rapids, talked about the Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System’s needs within the infrastructure of Luverne Tuesday.All together, streets, water mains, a water tower, sanitary sewer upgrades and site work could cost the city of Luverne up to $2.45 million.There are a few options that could change that price, but a range of $2.2 million to $2.45 million was presented by DGR.Capacity and pressure are the water issues for the hospital and clinic, which plans to relocate to the north edge of Luverne. Already, northern residents of Luverne complain of low water pressure, so a new tower is necessary to add a large health care facility to the city’s load.Sioux Valley would like 65 pounds of water pressure; now there’s 32 pounds of pressure.The location of a new tower isn’t yet determined, but the city favors the site near the intersection of Highway 75 and 131st Street.As a part of the project, Sioux Valley requests that the city of Luverne purchase the existing hospital for $825,000. Sioux Valley also asks that Luverne grant it $1,657,000 and loan it $1 million.Even though drawings and numbers are drafted, the project is still in its planning and development stages. Sioux Valley has already announced it chose north of Luverne for the location. The property abuts the Veterans Addition to its south, Highway 75 on the west, Blue Mound Avenue on the east and the gravel township road on the north.A combined clinic and hospital site is estimated to be 95,000 square feet, increased from the current 42,000.Plans from the engineers include room for growth that is anticipated to follow the Sioux Valley campus development, whether it’s business or residential.The city is meeting with Sioux Valley Thursday to discuss a Development Assistance Agreement and Business Subsidy Agreement. The Luverne City Council will be able to discuss the project more in June, with more information on the table at that time.
