The City of Hoover and the Hoover Health Care Authority (HHCA) announced Monday that they would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Alabama State Administrative Law Judge Ryan deGraffenried for his recommendation in the hearing on a dispute regarding a proposed new construction project.
In his order, the city said, Judge deGraffenried recommended the issuance of a Certificate of Need (CON) for the Riverwalk Health & Wellness Center.
SEE ALSO: Hoover CON hearing becomes heated with allegations and calls for transparency
The city said a CON is a requirement of the state of Alabama that allows health care providers and systems to expand medical care to citizens.
SEE ALSO: Virginia Transportation unveils new electric truck for car transport at Honda plant in Alabama
SEE ALSO: Governor Ivey awards nearly $900,000 to support rape victims in Alabama
Both the city representatives from COH and HHCA said throughout that they believed the opposition was unjustified and politically motivated. They believed that Judge deGraffenried saw through the objector’s tactics and therefore ruled in favor of the citizens.
“I am very grateful that Judge DeGraffenried ruled in our favor,” said HHCA Chairman Alan Paquette. “I felt all along that the testimony and evidence supporting our position was overwhelmingly positive. It is time to make up the ground we lost in this proceeding.”
On September 18, the city announced that HHCA would make a compelling presentation to the CON Board in Montgomery. They are confident that the order recommended by Judge deGraffenried will demonstrate to board members the important role Riverwalk Village will play in expanding access to critical health care for the citizens of Hoover, Shelby County and beyond. Both jurisdictions continue to lead the state in population growth and will need health care options for generations to come.
“We trust the Board will do the right thing and grant our CON request and give us the green light to build both an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) and Diagnostic Center in our city,” says Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. “Improved access to health care is a top priority for this administration and the Riverwalk plan will provide our citizens with new outpatient medical care as well as the latest diagnostic and imaging services. We are excited about the opportunities and foundation of health care this overall development will provide in one of the most accessible locations on Valleydale Road, just off I-65 in Riverchase.”
During the three-week hearing, COH, HHCA and various elected leaders and community representatives made compelling arguments for the need for additional health care access in the heart of Riverchase.
“We are grateful for the support of the health care community and the community for this project,” Brocato said. “We are especially grateful for the support of Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senator Dan Roberts, Senator April Weaver, Representative David Faulkner, Representative Susan DuBose, Representative Leigh Hulsey, Representative Arnold Mooney, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters, Jefferson County Community College President Keith Brown, Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox, Dr. Ellouise Cotton Johnson and Joy Patterson of the Riverwalk Residential Association.”
The city said ASC and the diagnostic center are key components of the development, which will also include housing, retail space and wellness opportunities. Riverwalk Village will be part of a larger health district that runs between Interstate 65 and west to U.S. Highway 31 and from the north at the Cahaba River to the south at Valleydale Road.
“This is a true public-private partnership as the city sees the long-term benefit of establishing medical services and wellness specialties on this unique 92-acre campus,” says Paquette. “This will undoubtedly benefit the citizens of Hoover and Shelby County. I look forward to our hearing before the CON Board and to the future of healthcare in Hoover.”
You can view a copy of Judge deGraffenried’s entire recommendation. Here.
