(Radio Iowa) – The new owner of the Keokuk hospital is seeking COVID relief funds to help reopen the hospital. Michigan-based healthcare provider Insight bought the hospital three months ago and is seeking two-point-two million dollars through the state from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Mayor Kathie Mahoney says the city is including a letter about the plan in this month’s water bills, which they are asking residents and business owners to sign.

Mahoney says letters signed and returned to the city by July 5th will be sent to the governor’s office. Mahoney says the money would help Insight reopen the emergency room and offer other medical services on the Morgan Street campus by December. Without the money, it might be March or April of next year before the hospital reopens. Former owner Blessing Health closed the hospital suddenly last fall.

(reporting by Will Buss, Tri States Public Radio)