WHITE SALMON, Wash. Skyline Health announced today it has received a combined $4 million in public funding—$1 million from the State of Washington and $3 million in federal appropriations—to support its Advancing Rural Surgical and Rehabilitation Services Project, a $6.8 million initiative. This transformational investment will further enhance Skyline’s ability to provide high-quality surgical and rehabilitation care to residents throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
The State of Washington’s $1 million appropriation—championed by State Senator Paul Harris and State Representative Kevin Waters, with support from State Representative David Stuebe—and the $3 million in federal appropriations—championed by U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and supported by U.S. Senator Patty Murray—reflect a strong, unified commitment to strengthening rural healthcare access and infrastructure. Their leadership has been essential in helping Skyline Health expand services and meet the growing needs of the White Salmon community and surrounding areas.
As the population of White Salmon and the greater Gorge region continue to grow, so does the need for accessible specialty care close to home. The Advancing Rural Surgical and Rehabilitation Services Project will renovate existing facility space to create a more modern Surgical Center and enhanced outpatient rehabilitation facilities.
“This project is an important one for Skyline and has been broadly supported by our community,” said Matt Kollman, CEO of Skyline Health. “Rural communities like White Salmon need reliable, safe, and high-quality healthcare to flourish. This investment allows Skyline to expand essential services, bring new services into our community, and strengthens our ability to recruit specialized providers, and ensure our friends and neighbors can receive outstanding care close to home.”
The broad community support mentioned by Mr. Kollman was referenced by both State and Federal delegations as they considered Skyline’s funding requests. More than 53 letters of support were submitted by community leaders, local business owners, officials from Klickitat County and the City of White Salmon, and—notably—other healthcare organizations throughout the Gorge.
Although these funds bring Skyline significantly closer to its goal, additional financial support is still required to complete the $6.8 million project. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, contingent upon securing the remaining funding needed to build and equip the expanded surgical and rehabilitation spaces.
Skyline Health extends its deepest gratitude to state and federal leaders whose advocacy has made this investment possible. The project represents a major milestone in ensuring rural residents can access essential surgical and rehabilitation services without barriers or long-distance travel.
Skyline Health
Skyline Health is dedicated to providing excellent, compassionate care to everyone we serve. Owned and operated by Klickitat County Public Hospital District No. 2, Skyline’s mission is to provide an exceptional level of health and well-being in our community.
To learn more about how Skyline Health is Advancing Rural Surgical Services.
Read the News Release