Contacts: Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
Constructing “Green” Badger Prairie Health Care Center to Create 200 Jobs
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk was joined today by a number of local officials and representatives of Roberts Construction Inc. for a groundbreaking at the site of the new Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona.
Falk recently signed an $18-million contract approved by the county board to Roberts Construction Inc. of Madison to serve as general contractor for the project.
“Turning these shovels today is the first step toward having a state-of-the-art care facility, offering the highest quality care for our most vulnerable citizens most in need,” Falk said. “A brand new, ‘green’ Badger Prairie also means 200 good-paying jobs for the area and will greatly benefit both the patients we care for and taxpayers.”
“We are very excited to have been awarded the contract for this extremely important project,” Roberts Construction President Robin Roberts said. “In addition to providing improved care, this project will employ many high quality construction workers over the next 18 months.”
Completion of the new Dane County nursing home is expected in late 2010.
After thorough study, the county decided in 2006 to build a new nursing home on county owned property adjacent to the current facility in Verona. That study found most patients at Badger Prairie have needs too challenging to meet in other nursing home settings. Cost of relying on other facilities to provide that care would be three to four times more than services currently offered by the county.
The new Badger Prairie will include a number of “green” features including the use of geo-thermal technology to heat and cool the facility and a solar heated hot water system. The facility will also have a number of additional energy cost saving features like “green” roofing, energy efficient motors, and automated lighting controls.
The Badger Prairie Health Care Center provides health and long term care for Dane County’s older adults and adults with disabilities. The skilled nursing facility provides specialized services and treatment to adults with behavioral, emotional, or psychiatric disorders that make it impossible for them to live on their own.
