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Governor "Signs" Keokuk Area Hospital Bill

Keokuk is well-known for its annual civil war re-enactment, but a different re-enactment drew a large crowd to Keokuk Area Hospital Friday afternoon.

Several hundred hospital employees, dignitaries and residents braved the blazing sun for about an hour to watch Governor Terry Branstad sign a bill into law for a second time.

The event was held on the helicopter landing pad at the hospital.

The legislation that the Governor originally signed in may authorized the state to loan the hospital up to $5-million.

Branstad said the state had to get involved.

“It means saving the hospital, it means having quality medical service, which is critically important to our success in bringing more business and jobs to the area.”

Governor Terry Branstad re-enacts the signing of the legislation approving a loan for Keokuk Area Hospital into law.

Keokuk Area Hospital plans to use the money to pay down debt and expand operations, among other things.

Branstad says the state needs to be responsive when there is a critical need for a facility like the hospital.

The event also included the presentation of several ceremonial plaques to the Governor and several state lawmakers as well as the distribution of commemorative pens to mark the signing.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.