Indianapolis Chamber Supports Wishard Project

The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce offered its support for the new Wishard Hospital project this morning, announcing its position statement following thorough research of the project. Below is the full release:


INDIANAPOLIS – The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce today announced support for the proposed construction of a new Wishard Hospital and pledged to take a leadership position on passing the Nov. 3 public referendum for the project.

“We believe the construction of a new Wishard Hospital is firmly in the best interest of our city, and will have significant benefits for residents and the business community. From its leading role in health education to its high level of care and impact in the community, Wishard plays an increasingly important role in central Indiana despite the physical decline of its facilities,” said Chamber President Roland Dorson. “After thorough research and study, we find the plan for this project to be financially sound and are confident it should place no additional burden on the taxpayers of Marion County.”

The Chamber’s Fiscal Policy Council and the Executive Committee of the Board thoroughly reviewed details of the project and expressed confidence in Wishard’s plan to fund the construction through a bond issue requiring no tax increase.

The Chamber cited the Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, which manages Wishard Hospital, as having a thoughtful, solid approach to financing the construction project, estimated to cost $754 million. Currently, Wishard spends $25 million annually for repairs and renovations of its current facility, while its projected annual debt service in the proposed plan would be $38 million, accounting for a 15 percent contingency for overruns as well as $150 million Wishard has saved to date to put toward the project.

Dorson said the plan for a new Wishard is the most economically prudent solution to the current facilities’ ongoing physical decline and lack of conformity to modern medical facility standards.

Wishard Hospital and HHC currently employ more than 4,000 people and contribute an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion to the state. The hospital’s record of effective and prudent fiscal management has led to a 67 percent decrease in reliance on property taxes over the past six years, allowing it to provide more than 1.2 million outpatient visits each year.


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About the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1890 by Colonel Eli Lilly and a group of Indianapolis business leaders, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the central Indiana business community. Today, with a membership of more than 4,300 businesses, the Indianapolis Chamber is still a voice of progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community. For more information on the Chamber, visit indychamber.com.

Source: Greater Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Visit WishardYes.org for more information about the Wishard referendum.