CADIZ, Ky. — Trigg County Hospital is set to make a major investment in emergency medical care thanks to a $3 million federal award that will fund the construction of a modern ambulance and EMS building. Hospital leaders say the project comes at a pivotal time as the community grows and first responder demands increase.
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Hospital CEO John Sumner said the funding marks a meaningful step forward for the hospital and its ability to serve residents. He emphasized that the organization’s financial progress reflects years of effort and community-driven support.
“Our hospital is really doing well right now,” Sumner said. “We’ve doubled our revenue over the last 10 years. Our cash on hand is much better, and we’ve got 369 days’ cash on hand right now.
“I think the hospital continues to grow,” he continued. “And this is just another service that we will make better for the people of Trigg County.”
The grant was announced Nov. 18 by U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, who helped secure the funding in newly passed federal legislation. The current ambulance building, more than three decades old, no longer meets the capacity, privacy needs, or training demands of today’s workforce.
“For too long, Trigg County’s first responders have operated out of an aging facility that is struggling to meet the needs of our growing community,” Comer said in the release. “This investment is a major step forward for our local medical services and will provide the modern space and tools they need to respond quickly and effectively when lives are on the line.”
Sumner said that major improvements will begin soon, even as the hospital continues to remodel its current EMS building to serve as temporary housing for ambulance crews.
The hospital had been seeking grant support for three years without knowing whether funding would ever be approved. Because of the uncertainty, the board had already voted to remodel the existing building.
Ambulance staff are expected to move into the renovated facility by the end of the year, and construction of the new building could take 18 to 24 months. Once the new building opens, the remodeled space will eventually be repurposed for housekeeping and maintenance operations, Sumner said.
The architect, Spurr Architecture of Hopkinsville, will revise previously drafted plans to expand the project’s scope. Funding will allow for major upgrades including:
The expanded building will also support an increase from two ambulance crews to three, all operating 24 hours a day to better serve the county’s emergency demand.
Local officials emphasized that the award does more than support Trigg County; it strengthens emergency coverage for visitors across Land Between the Lakes and nearby communities.
“It was the only grant in western Kentucky passed out in the first round of the bills,” Sumner said, calling the funding a fortunate and timely opportunity.
He expressed gratitude for Comer’s advocacy, saying, “This project will be a tremendous benefit to Trigg County, Land Between the Lakes, and the surrounding lake area. We greatly appreciate his continued support and dedication to improving healthcare services in the commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries also praised the investment as a critical improvement for first responders.
“This grant opportunity will ensure our technicians and paramedics are well taken care of while serving the citizens of Trigg County and its visitors,” he said. “This funding will allow us to ensure our facilities are as good as any location across the commonwealth.”
Originally reported by TONYA S. GRACE CADIZ RECORD Staff Writer in Kentucky News Era.
