Addiction treatment center looks to improve facility

A local drug and alcohol addiction treatment center is looking at making facility improvements its organizers are saying are much-needed.

Using money from refinancing of the loan used to build the facility on Linden Street, the Gibson Recovery Center in Cape Girardeau plans to install new energy-efficient systems and appliances, make various repairs and buy new equipment such as furniture for offices and patient rooms, said John Gary, executive director of the not-for-profit center.

The center hasn't had a major upgrade in more than 20 years, Gary said, so he is looking forward to seeing the project through. The center annually treats about 1,000 clients in inpatient and outpatient settings for addiction problems.

"It gets a lot of wear and tear, and we have many appliances on their last legs," Gary said. "Overall we are hoping to do some going green and see some savings on energy, and make this an environment where people will want to come for help."

The center gets its operating funds through a combination of local and state monies for mental health treatment, grants and client fees. The upgrade project, if it receives approval from several boards, should be completed within a year, Gary said.

A public hearing on the project will be held Monday because the project is set to be financed by bonds issued by the Industrial Development Authority of Cape Girardeau County. The authority issues bonds for such projects so borrowers can take advantage of tax-exempt financing, "thus enhancing the borrower's ability to provide services at a reasonable cost," according to materials recently reviewed by the Cape Girardeau City Council before its approval of the project. The hearing is set for 1 p.m. Monday at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

The plan also must receive approval from the center's board of directors and the Industrial Development Authority board before the funding is made and work can begin. Capaha Bank will serve as the bondholder and has committed to the loan deal, Gary said. The amount of the bond issuance is $1.2 million. No financial impact is expected for the city or the Industrial Development Authority, according to city documents.

The Industrial Development Authority examines applicants' financial responsibility, proposed business activity, improvements to be financed, marketing of bonds and economic benefits when considering projects, according to the chamber of commerce website.

Gary said the center also is exploring launching a campaign for more capital and grant opportunities for additional upgrades in the next year. The facility at 1121 Linden St. opened in 1990.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3632

Pertinent address:

1121 Linden St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1267 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO