Shore Memorial Hospital Expansion Plans Provide Local Economic Stimulus Package for Atlantic County

During these uncertain economic times when most businesses are cutting back or even closing down for good, Shore Memorial Hospital continues to remain a vital economic driver in southeast New Jersey.

The hospital is currently in the middle of its largest expansion project ever with plans for a four-story 135,000 square foot Surgical Pavilion, medical office building, new main entrance and lobby and other related projects. This $125 million expansion will not only benefit patients in the future when the new facility opens its doors in spring 2011, but it also boosts the local economy right now by providing immediate work to area contractors and tradesmen.

Massett Building Company, headquartered in Pleasantville, is the general contractor for the campus expansion plans. With construction in full swing, around 60 workers are onsite daily pouring concrete, re-grading the street, welding metals and doing other general construction work. These workers are establishing the foundation for the area’s most sophisticated surgical suites, which will be equipped with the most advanced technology to aid and support the region’s best surgeons.

“This project is a significant economic engine for the city of Somers Point and the county,” says Rob Cozen, president of the Somers Point Business Association. “It will reap untold benefits for the city economically by attracting more doctors who want to practice here, drawing people for medical care and even benefiting local restaurants when patients and visitors are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat. We’re proud to let people know that we have a renowned medical facility here in Somers Point.”

In 2008, Shore Memorial also contributed to the local and state economy by providing the following:

• 1,300 plus full and part-time jobs to local residents, the majority of whom live in Egg Harbor Township, Somers Point, Mays Landing, Ocean City and Linwood
• Total operating expenditures of approximately $182 million
• Total employee salaries of $79.25 million
• $28.61 million in purchased services
• $4.26 million in state income taxes paid by hospital employees
• $753,482 in state taxes paid directly by Shore Memorial Hospital

To see a time-lapse video of the current construction project click on the Watch Our Construction Timelapse link under the Shore Tomorrow section.