California Hospitals Want Delay For Seismic Retrofits
SACRAMENTO – Many California hospitals facing the 2008 deadline for earthquake upgrades are hoping they will get an extension.
According to the Sacramento Bee, 1,109 hospitals in the state are currently considered to be at risk of collapse during a major earthquake and by 2008 must be replaced or retrofitted to meet strict seismic safety standards. But with construction costs increasing by nearly two-thirds in the past three years, many hospitals are finding it difficult to make the upgrades in time.
The Hospital Building Safety Board has proposed California reassess these buildings with a new high-tech tool that is more accurate. Those high-risk structures that are retested and deemed less vulnerable would be given an extension to 2020 or 2030 to comply with the seismic safety standards. This new proposal would save the hospitals possibly billions of dollars, allowing them to avoid expensive quick fixes and plan for the changes more effectively.
The California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are being lobbied by hospital officials for the revisions. Additionally, Senate Bill (SB) 1661 proposed by Sen. Dave Cox (R – Fair Oaks) is proposing extension options for hospitals with the 2013 deadline.
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
