ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Federal funding has been secured for an expansion and renovation project at Strong Memorial Hospital, Congressman Joe Morelle, Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced Tuesday.

Officials say $1 million in funding will be used to create a new emergency department and patient tower.

“One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring quality healthcare is affordable and accessible for every family in Rochester—and this funding will help make that a reality,” Morelle said in a statement. “I’m proud to have partnered with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to secure this investment that will allow Strong Memorial Hospital to better deliver the high-quality patient care our community deserves in a safe, modern, state-of-the-art environment. Especially following their tireless work during the pandemic, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to our healthcare heroes and help ensure they have the resources they deserve.”

The project will be the largest in UR’s history.

“We thank Rep. Morelle, along with Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, for securing $1 million for Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department and Inpatient Tower expansion in the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations bill,” URMC CEO Dr. Mark B. Taubman said in a statement. “The project, which is Strong’s most comprehensive modernization in nearly 50 years, will add more than 650,000 square feet of desperately needed space, including an expanded emergency department, pediatric emergency department, and more than 40 new private inpatient rooms, as we continue to contend with severe bed shortages and emergency room crowding across our community. Once completed, the new space will allow us to better serve the Rochester community and the entire region. We are grateful to Rep. Morelle for his support for this project and the immense impact it will have on patient care here in the Finger Lakes Region.”

Officials estimate the project will generate more than 6,000 construction jobs and 1,800 permanent jobs upon completion.