Congressman Tim Holden Visits St. Luke's
Provides $525,000 for new Energy Efficient Windows at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital
Congressman Tim Holden (PA-D-17), center, presented a
$525,000 check to support the hospital's Energy Efficiency
Improvement Project today. Joining Congressman Holden are
(l-r) State Rep. Jerry Knowles; Susan Solt, President,
Coaldale Borough Council; Bill Crossin, President, St. Luke's
Miners Memorial Hospital; Congressman Holden; Ralph
Richards, Administrator, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital;
John Tracy, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, St. Luke's
Miners Memorial Hospital.
Coaldale, PA (11/02/2009) – Earlier today, Congressman Tim Holden (PA-D-17) visited with hospital executives and staff members at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital. The purpose of the visit was to announce a $525,000 energy and water appropriation Congressman Holden secured to support the hospital's Energy Efficiency Improvement Project.
Goal to Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption and Emissions and Conserve Energy
The Energy Efficiency Improvement Project at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital seeks to begin installing technologies throughout the hospital that reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions while saving money and energy. The funds secured by Congressman Holden will support this initiative through the purchase of more than 225 new energy efficient windows The new windows are insulated glass units that are hermetically sealed and provide the highest level of insulation and daylight to enter the room.
“Windows throughout the hospital are over 35 years old, in poor condition and lack proper sealing,” explained Bill Crossin, President, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital. “This results in water leakage as well as heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.”
According to the U.S. Department of energy, hospitals in the United States are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the country and consume over $5 billion of energy costs annually. St. Luke's is committed to finding ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. The window replacement program is the beginning of a comprehensive program to manage energy costs while improving facility infrastructures. Savings realized from reduced energy costs will be reinvested into patient care at the hospital.
“A top priority of mine in Washington is to secure federal resources for projects in my Congressional district,” said Congressman Tim Holden. “I am pleased that the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital will be able to use these funds to ensure that the hospital increases energy efficiency and reduces energy costs. By conserving dollars that are currently spent for energy, St. Luke's can redirect those dollars to caring for the citizens that rely on the services at the hospital.”
Funds are Part of the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriation Bill
The funds secured are part of the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriation bill signed into law by President Obama on October 29, 2009. The $33.5 billion spending bill funds government energy and water programs for the 2010 budget year that began October 1, 2009.
“I'm proud that we have been taking steps to become greener at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital,” said Ralph Richards, Administrator, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital. “We've installed energy efficient lighting throughout the building. Now we're able to continue going green with the installation of the new, energy efficient windows. We believe that investing in energy efficient technologies not only conserves the energy resources of St. Luke's, but ultimately a green facility will improve the health and recovery rate of patients while minimizing the impact to the environment.”
The window replacement project, which is part of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Project, is anticipated to cost approximately $705,000 and is scheduled for completion in June 2010.
“Congressman Holden, I appreciate your support for this community and its hospital. On behalf of its citizens and our staff, thank you for your determination and support of the Coaldale community,” Crossin closed.
