NEWS
"I visited with Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry to hear more about plans to expand and renovate Eureka Springs Hospital. Bringing more services and beds and updating spaces are priorities for the facility—which is the 2nd largest employer in Eureka Springs. Modernization efforts will both expand the campus to increase resources locally for residents and help recruit more providers to the area. I will continue working with Mayor Berry and community leaders on investment plans."
- U.S. Congressman Steve Womack
Mayor Butch Berry invited Congressman Steve Womack to Eureka Springs to discuss several of his priorities. The discussion focused mostly on the expansion of the Eureka Springs Hospital and the repair and stabilization of Black Bass Dam.
The city-owned hospital is the oldest hospital in Arkansas and one of only 28 critical access hospitals in the state. It is also a state designated trauma center and the only one in Carroll, Madison and Newton Counties and parts of southern Missouri.
Mayor Berry shared preliminary drawings with Congressman Womack of the plans developed by the Hospital Commission and explored federal funding options for the multi-phase project. The complete project is estimated to cost $25-30 million.
“While other rural hospitals are struggling or closing, our hospital is doing well. Our service area covers a population of about 35,000 people. It’s vital to our community and our surrounding neighbors to make sure this hospital continues to expand and provide more services,” said Mayor Berry.
Congressman Womack said, “Strong medical care is fundamental to the health and well-being of Arkansans. We want families to have access to quality care, and institutions like Eureka Springs Hospital are vital to that mission. As our region grows, our priority remains enhancing services and capacity for both residents and tourists. I will continue working with Mayor Berry and community leaders on investment plans.
Congressman Womack also noted that because Eureka Springs is such a major tourist destination, there is even more of a need to upgrade and expand the hospital.
After the meeting Congressman Womack visited Black Bass Dam to see the continuing damage that is occurring. He understands the vital significance of the dam if it is not repaired and fails. And how the western part of Eureka Springs from the Hospital to the Crescent and out Highway 62 west would be without fire protection and drinking water due to the loss of the Carroll Boone Water distribution line at the base of the dam. He was encouraged by the city being able to acquire some grant funding and said he will meet with Senator John Boozman to discuss options for Black Bass Dam.
“The meeting was very informative and productive. I have always appreciated the support we get from Congressman Womack,” said Berry.
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