Rep. Joel McEntire, second from left, recently visited Willapa Harbor Hospital in South Bend, which is exploring ways to replace its physical infrastructure.

SOUTH BEND — State Rep. Joel McEntire (R-Cathlamet) met on Dec. 5 with Willapa Harbor Hospital Board Chair Kathy Spoor, board member Toni Williams, and members of the hospital executive team, who have been looking for ways to support construction costs for the replacement of the aged facility.

“We must continue quality medical services to people here in North Pacific County. The current facilities are well beyond their useful life. We support people in rural areas and will work to help with this hospital replacement project,” McEntire said.

The Washington State Legislature will convene Jan. 13 and will be considering the 2025-27 biennial budget.

The hospital board and administration have been looking for ways to support construction costs for the replacement of the facility. Applications have been submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Washington State Emergency Management Department/Federal Emergency Management Agency. Other sources are also being explored, including private foundation funding, hospital leaders said in a statement.

Constructed in the early 1950s, Willapa Harbor Hospital is the second oldest currently operating hospital in the state. It was the third hospital to be designated as a Critical Access Hospital in Washington. The hospital also operates a rural health clinic that offers quality primary health care to individuals and families.