While results haven’t yet been certified, last week voters seemingly approved a $50 million bond for Whidbey General Hospital to upgrade and expand its facility.

While some opposed the passing of the bond, speaking out against a property tax increase that would cost homeowners 32 cents per $1,000 assessed property value, the project will also help boost our local economy.

Really that equates to $81 for a person who owns a home valued at $250,000.

Not only will the bond bring much needed improvements to the dated hospital, but it will bring wages and tax dollars back into our local economy.

Taxes from the project will make way back into town coffers and can then be used for additional projects or needs in the community.

It’s a win-win.

Whidbey voters were smart in approving this bond and hopefully we will start seeing action on the project soon.

The new facility will bring a new 31,000-square-foot wing including, single-patient rooms.

The new facility will be current with current hospital regulations.

It’s something residents on Whidbey deserve.

Hospital spokeswoman Trish Rose said none of the detailed planning is in place yet, but a building committee will be meeting later this month.

Hospital CEO Tom Tomasino wrote in a letter to the editor this week that staff promises to wisely invest our tax dollars and keep us informed and engaged in the process as much as possible.

With a project this size, we can’t expect not to be impacted by the project to some degree like traffic impacts.

As hospital officials move forward with plans, I think communication with the public will be key.

The hospital is smack dab in the middle of town and as good residents and neighbors, they should keep that in mind as they start this planning process.

— Megan Hansen is editor of The Whidbey Examiner. She can be reached at mhansen@whidbeynewsgroup.com