Proposed legislation to extend a license at the local hospital now is on the way to the governor’s desk.
House Bill 175 passed in the Senate Monday, according to Debbie Foley, director of Economic Development.
“It is now awaiting the governor’s signature,” Foley said, adding a similar measure, Senate Bill 866, passed in the House of Delegates earlier this month.
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta, has said Gov. Ralph Northam has indicated his support of the extension. Because the measure includes an emergency clause, it will become law as soon as Northam signs it.
With the license extension in hand, brokering a sale of the hospital that closed in September “will be easier for VCC (Virginia Community Capital) in negotiations” with potential buyers, Foley said.
The VCC, which held a large first lien on the property, bid $5.7 million for the property at a December auction, according to previous reports.
Foley said local officials stand ready to help VCC representatives “as they negotiate with potential buyers and hopefully reach an agreement that will make everyone happy and get us open” again.
Foley said she has heard that some of the county’s elderly residents have moved from Patrick to areas with hospitals and hospital access.
As she has worked to lure new industry and businesses to the area, Foley said “our main focus has been on the hospital” and securing an extension of the license.
With that nearing fruition, Foley said she can now concentrate on other business sectors, and is open to all sectors, whether retail, manufacturing or anything else. “There’s nothing that’s off the table,” she said.
The retail sector recently experienced some growth, with Tractor Supply announcing a local store will open this summer, according to Foley.
Foley said it is her understanding a Family Dollar store soon will locate in Meadows of Dan, and “I think Dollar General is locating a store in Woolwine.”
She explained economic development officials also are not focused on promoting any single area of the county.
“All the communities in our county are important,” Foley said. “We are fortunate that all of our communities have different amenities to offer, and hopefully attract,” prospective businesses.
