Plans have been on the table for Livingston County’s only hospital to see a major redevelopment. The financing component is just what they needed to push the project into the construction phase. The project will enhance a hospital that has been a faithful community partner since 1954, expanding access to services, technology, and care typically found in larger communities.
Livingston Hospital CEO Shane Whittington said, “This support represents a powerful commitment to rural healthcare at a time when many rural hospitals are struggling. With this project, we are protecting access to high-quality care close to home—and expanding the depth and convenience of the services our communities need.”
First District Congressman James Comer and USDA State Director Travis Burton helped secure the funding for the new facility in Salem, and both were in attendance in a packed community center at the hospital.
Burton said, “President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins are committed to ushering in a new era of prosperity for rural America. And the way that that is going to happen, we’re seeing today right here in rural Kentucky in Livingston County. USDA Rural Development, what we do each and every day is focus on improving the quality of life and economic prosperity throughout our state, in every rural area, and looking for ways to do that. And I can think of no better way to achieve that, than the announcement we’re here to make, today, about the significant investment into this community.”
Burton called the project transformative and commended Whittington’s leadership in the process and the hospital board’s aggressive, determined work to get the funding over the finish line.
Comer said, “This is an amazing crowd, and it shows how much this community supports this hospital, and it’s a great day for Livingston County and the hospital.” He added, “This is a massive project. This would be a big project in Louisville. This would be a big project in Lexington. This is a significant investment in this community.”
Whittington said that they expect to break ground for the new facility in late February or early March of 2026.
Rendering of new Livingston Hospital entrance
Livingston Hospital CEO Shane Whittington at the podium. Seated are Congressman James Comer and USDA State Director Travis Burton (Brad Munson)
