Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven visited the new Heart of America Medical Center (HAMC) in Rugby, North Dakota, which is scheduled to open later this year. The project has been supported by more than $55 million in loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This includes a Community Facilities Loan of $50,243,000 and a Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan of $5,000,000. As the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has played a role in securing funding for USDA Rural Development and aiding HAMC’s loan application.

"Central to any vibrant community is a strong local economy and essential services, including access to health care. I commend the HAMC on building a state-of-the-art, lasting facility that will serve current and future generations," said Hoeven. "Working together, we helped secure the necessary funding through USDA Rural Development to make this project a reality. I remain committed to this and similar efforts across our state to update and build new medical facilities for the health and well-being North Dakotans."

Currently, HAMC operates a hospital, three clinics, and a long-term care facility. The original hospital and clinic date back to the 1940s. Due to their age, maintaining these facilities has become increasingly expensive. The new construction includes a hospital, clinic, and long-term care facility at an estimated cost of about $50 million with an expected opening in October 2024.