Currently under construction, the Cumberland County Health Department is scheduled to be completed by September of 2012. The future facility will be 31,340 square feet. This project is funded jointly by a Federal Health Department grant and Cumberland County. The 4.4 million dollar federal grant had site selection, energy efficiency, longevity and user needs in mind with its requirements. Coupled with the funds supplied by Cumberland County, the new Health Department will double the square footage and clinic exam rooms of their current facility. Additional storage is also accommodated for medical records, medicine, and miscellaneous medical supplies. The sloping character of the rear of the site allows a partial basement to be built for long term storage and mechanical rooms. The solid rock just below the surface is key to the energy efficiency of the geothermal mechanical system reducing both the number of bore holes and time required to pay back the system. Natural light, energy efficient lighting and special glass reduce the reliance on artificial lighting. Offices were designed to be converted to exam rooms to reduce the need for future additions. However, future growth can be achieved from any of the three wings of the building as well as the rear of the facility if required by county growth. This building is pursuing LEED certification.
