JEFFERSON CITY – After years of deterioration and decline, the Fulton State Hospital may finally receive much-needed financial help. The Senate Interim Committee on Capital Improvement Assessment and Planning released its report earlier this month.  The committee lists the hospital as a top priority.

“The need for improvement at the Fulton State Hospital was extremely clear,” said Chairman David Pearce, R-Warrensburg. “We have heard stories and now have seen in person the need to improve this facility for the safety of our citizens.  It’s a daunting task, but it’s one of our most pressing needs.”

The Fulton State Hospital serves Missouri citizens from all across the state.  Currently the facility can house 363 clients in a secure therapeutic setting and is the state’s only maximum security psychiatric hospital. The building is slowly crumbling and in desperate need for repair.

The interim committee was tasked with doing a cost-benefit analysis of proposed projects across the state to help determine what the priorities are for next session. Fulton State Hospital was one of the projects on the list.

“We wanted to actually get out, tour the facilities and state buildings to help us prioritize those needs and leverage private support,” said Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles. “After seeing the conditions at the Fulton facility in person, it was clear this would be a top priority for us.”

The Legislature appropriated $13 million for the Fiscal Years 2014-2015. These funds, of which $11 million is currently withheld, are for initial planning and designing. But, the governor plans to announce today his plan to put money in the budget to construct a new facility in Fulton.

“We are happy to see the hospital will also be a priority for the governor,” said Pearce.  “We look forward to working with him and his staff on this major and much-needed project.”

To learn more about the interim committee and its report, visit www.senate.mo.gov.