By Bobby Tingle

The Orange Leader

Dr. William M. Rutledge, Jr. was on hand Tuesday night to answer questions at a public hearing of the City of Orange Economic Development Corporation.  Rutledge is actively recruiting a group of physicians and private investors for the purpose of establishing a medical complex to serve Orange County.  A parcel of land has been donated by Gisela Houseman for the specific purpose of establishing a medical complex at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 62.

According to City of Orange Economic Development Director Jay Trahan the complex will be ‘phased’ in over time.  Items being considered for development are an outpatient center, emergency room, office space for specialists and a micro-hospital.

Trahan stated the project is in the initial development stages and will take time to develop.

The next step is a 60-day waiting period in which a master plan will be developed including recruitment of investors and infrastructure development.