Feb 18 2008
How Was The Site Chosen?
During an extensive search for potential construction sites in 2006-07, Salem and Hillsboro emerged as the front runners for a new psychiatric facility serving the north Willamette Valley.
In a ranking system used by state administrators, the existing Oregon State Hospital campus in central Salem scored higher than three other locations: a vacant state Department of Corrections parcel in southeast Salem and two privately owned parcels in Hillsboro, about 18 miles west of Portland.
Nearly a year ago, Gov. Ted Kulongoski and state lawmakers green-lighted construction of a 620-bed facility at the 144-acre campus along Center Street NE. They also approved construction of a 360-bed psychiatric facility, to be located in Junction City, to serve the southwest part of the state.
The Salem facility is scheduled to open in 2011. The Junction City facility is scheduled to open in 2013.
Costs for the two facilities are an estimated $458 million.
