Fayette council presents $424,307.98 to medical center to fund federal grant match for new clinic

The City of Fayette on Monday presented a $424,307.98 check to the Fayette Medical Center to be used as part of a local match for a federal grant to build a new clinic at the hospital's south/east end.

An unidentified hospital board representative told the council the grant request is in the federal bill and the hospital has secured about a 25% match that equates to roughly $1,700,000 toward an overall grant request of about $8,000,000. "We've got at least 25% match, which comes around about $1,700,000," the representative said.

The board said the local funds and last year's check will be pooled into that match and used toward construction of a facility intended to house the rural clinic, physician offices and related services. Council members and hospital representatives said they have been encouraged by feedback from Congressman Adam's office and noted Representative Aderhold has supported appropriation requests for the project.

Mayor Nolan presented the funds during the council meeting. Hospital representatives said one physician started in August and another is expected next August, and described the clinic as an important step for expanding access to care in the rural community.

The presentation also included an explanation of Alabama's Rural Hospital Investment Program Act and a request that businesses and pass‑through entities consider donating through the state portal, which opens Jan. 2; donors will have 30 days after pledging to remit funds, the board said.

The council's presentation of the check was approved and accepted by hospital board members; no opposing votes were recorded during the voice vote. The hospital board said the funds will be applied toward the match while the federal appropriation remains pending.