FREDONIA, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul in Fredonia Monday announced $74 million for the new Brooks Memorial Hospital after an agreement between New York state, Kaleida Health and Brooks-TLC Health Systems.

What You Need To Know

  •  Gov. Hochul announces $74M in funding to build a new Brooks Memorial Hospital in Fredonia

  •  The funds were released about eight years ago, followed by several union rallies to build a new facility

  • Upon health department approval, the new hospital is expected to be built withing the next three years

It's set to be built on Main Street in the village and replace the current aging facility in Dunkirk.

"You want to expand," said Hochul. "You want to draw more people to the area. You want young people to stay. You cannot say, 'oh and by the way, if you really need a hospital, it's only 45 minutes down the road.' But now, they'll stay right here."

"It brings certainty to the residents and patients of Northern Chautauqua County, and just as importantly to the men and women who work at Brooks Memorial Hospital," said Don Boyd, President, CEO, Kaleida Health.

The announcement comes after a portion of the funds were first awarded in 2016, followed by several union member rallies to get the facility built.

"This is years and years of them working in conditions which have been outdated. So, they are now going to get a state of the art facility as well as the community," said Cheryl Marino, administrative organizer, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

"To provide health care to our community in the most effective, efficient manner. We're going to be here, not just for the current day but also future days ahead," said Ken Morris, president, CEO, Brooks Memorial Hospital

Pending state health department approval, the hospital is expected to be built within three years.