Astoria Hospital Expansion Receives $14.5 Million Grant
Columbia Memorial Hospital secures federal funding as the major building project hits a two-year milestone.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria has marked the two-year anniversary of its expansion project, coinciding with the release of over $14.5 million in federal grant money. This capital boost supports a project aimed at nearly tripling the hospital's total square footage.
Why it matters
The infusion of funds follows years of strategic planning to increase the capacity of the Astoria-based facility. The support ensures the continuation of a project that is essential to the region's long-term healthcare infrastructure.
The hospital is expanding from 56,000 square feet to 182,000 square feet, while the capital campaign has raised over $8 million from 850 donors. This represents 80.5% of the $10 million goal set for the project.
The players
Columbia Memorial Hospital
This facility provides essential healthcare services to the Astoria and North Coast region.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
This federal organization oversees disaster preparedness and provides infrastructure funding for critical community projects.
Skanska
This company is a multinational construction and development firm serving as the general contractor for the expansion project.
The details
General contractor Skanska has already completed foundational work, including the installation of underground utilities and the drilling of piles into bedrock. The ongoing BuildCMH Expansion Project represents the culmination of more than a decade of planning by the Board of Trustees.
Timeline
The original grant award for the hospital project was issued in 2023.
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program was halted in 2025.
FEMA released the $14.5 million in grant funding on September 28, 2026.
The first floor is expected to be nearly complete by April 2027.
Phase 1 of the hospital expansion is expected to be finished in late 2027.
Market Landscape
This project highlights the increasing reliance on federal grant programs for regional healthcare infrastructure developments in Astoria. Securing this funding positions the facility against shifting economic conditions while ensuring the completion of long-term capital improvements.
The expansion will significantly increase the hospital's physical capacity, which is expected to improve access to patient care in the Astoria area. Residents should look for updates on hospital accessibility as Phase 1 nears completion in 2027.
The takeaway
Large-scale community health projects often require a mix of private donations and federal grant support to cross the finish line. Residents can track the project's progress toward its $10 million goal to see how their community contributions continue to shape local medical services.
What happens next
The first floor of the expansion is anticipated to reach near-completion in April 2027, followed by the expected conclusion of Phase 1 in late 2027 and the facility opening to patients in early 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support health infrastructure in our Astoria Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Astorian.
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