Boundary Community Hospital was not selected for funding through Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, despite submitting an application for infrastructure projects.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced more than 100 grants Wednesday, totaling roughly $186 million. The five-year program is intended to strengthen and modernize rural health care.
The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho received $469,592.27, while the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho received $2,316,125.15. Bonner General Health received $5,802,164.90.
BCH Chief Executive Officer Bryan Cordle said the hospital pursued the grant and a proposed maintenance and operations levy for different needs.
“BCH pursued the grant and the levy to address separate needs,” Cordle said.
The proposed levy would generate $1.5 million annually for two years, or $3 million total. BCH said the money would support emergency services, hospital infrastructure and continued access to local care.
Hospital officials are seeking information about the grant selection process from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Hospital Association.
Cordle said the grant decision does not alter the needs behind the proposed levy. BCH will continue pursuing other funding options, although future grants remain possible and cannot be counted as funding available for current needs.