The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved an increased project scope for the renovation of a property on Pioneer Avenue in Homer for South Peninsula Hospital’s child care facility.

The resolution, adopted as part of the body’s consent agenda during their July 9 meeting, says that “renovations are necessary to get the property at 203 W Pioneer Avenue up to code” for its described purpose. That includes adding sprinklers and upgrading wiring.

During a finance committee meeting on Tuesday, ahead of the assembly’s full meeting, Purchasing and Contracting Director John Hedges told the group that the project cost has risen as the needs of the child care service have been fleshed out.

The project is maintained and undertaken by the hospital, under a grant, but the resolution says the assembly is required to approve any capital improvement projects with cost exceeding $500,000. The cost, per the resolution, is estimated to be $999,476.

The hospital last year received a $1.3 million grant from Anchorage-based child care agency thread to open a child care center for its employees. The center will be located inside the hospital’s Home Health Center on Pioneer Avenue. The hospital told the Homer News in December that there are likely more than 120 children who might take advantage of the service.

The resolution saw no further discussion during the full meeting that evening.

A full recording of the finance committee meeting will be available at kpb.legistar.com.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.