October 12th is the date for Irwin Army Community Hospital’s ribbon cutting ceremony, according to U-S Senator Jerry Moran of Manhattan.
The project had originally been set for a fast-tracked completion date of 2012.
Moran of Manhattan made the ribbon cutting announcement Tuesday during a visit to KMAN, and he says it’s been a long time coming–with original plans to open the facility four years ago. Construction delays and lawsuits–as well as issues related to fire doors and heating and cooling equipment led to the late opening. 357 safety issues were listed, according to Army officials earlier this year.
Moran indicates he’s visited Irwin Army Hospital “time and time again” to make certain the Army knew that he was paying attention. He adds there have been meetings with the Head of the Army Corps of Engineers, which is in charge of overseeing the engineering and construction–as well as the Army Chief of Staff. Moran indicates Fort Riley’s Commanding General made sure the project didn’t slip any longer.
