JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Ironworkers at UPMC Chautauqua WCA hoisted the final steel beam on Thursday, and placed it atop the structure of the hospital's expansion project. Prior to the event, several staff members got a chance to sign the beam, leaving their permanent mark on the building. Construction on the project began last September.

The new 42,000 square foot facility will house the Women's and Maternity Care Center as well as the Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Inpatient Units. Funding for the $20 million expansion was made possible from a state grant through the Health Care Provider Support Program.

"This hospital alone has a positive impact on our community of over $196 million a year. So, it's great. We depend on the community and I think the community depends on us," said Betsy Wright, UPMC Chautauqua WCA CEO.

"Our local health care system is growing stronger, our families and our communities become healthier, and our hospital's investment in our local economy becomes even greater," said Steve Kilburn, UPMC Chautauqua WCA Board of Directors chair.

The project is expected to be completed in summer 2019.