EPHRATA, Wash. – Voters in Ephrata have once again rejected a proposal to expand funding for the Columbia Basin Hospital.

The proposition, which was on the ballot for the second time, was turned down on Tuesday with about 56% of voters opposing the measure.

The proposal aimed to generate up to $30 million through a new property tax levy.

The funds were intended for the construction of new healthcare facilities and improvements to existing Columbia Basin Hospital and Family Medicine buildings.

This would have included expanded clinic hours, modernized services and a new pharmacy for the hospital.

The rejection of this proposition impacts Public Hospital District 3, which had hoped to address healthcare needs in the area with the proposed upgrades.

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