PRESTON — The Pocatello architectural firm of Myers and Anderson has been selected to design the remodeling project at Franklin County Medical Center.

    It was chosen from 10 applications, with representatives from nine firms participating in an on-site walk-through last month, said Hospital Administrator Mike Andrus.

    “The board selected them as best qualified for this particular remodeling project due to their unique design approach,” he said. Based on Idaho law, a contract or agreement will now be negotiated.

    No bid amount has been reached yet, Andrus told The Citizen. The board is following Idaho law which says an architect must first be chosen based upon qualifications based on project criteria, followed by negotiations for “an acceptable rate.”

    “If we are not able to negotiate an acceptable contract then we are free to negotiate with others who submitted proposals,” he said. The board’s finance committee plus one extra board member have been authorized to oversee this process, with a time being sought to meet with Myers and Anderson.

    The board previously has approved a commitment to a $750,000 USDA loan which will be used primarily to modernize existing FCMC facilities and services. That includes the nursing home lobby and nurses station remodel and modernization, along with hospital nurses station remodel and modernization. In addition, the labor and delivery room will be remodeled. There may also be some remodeling to the emergency room and business offices, Andrus said.